What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more.
Some key facts about CVD:
- CVD is the (/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)) globally - responsible for nearly 18 million deaths per year
- Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, hypertension, and diabetes
- Many types of CVD can be prevented by addressing risk factors - the WHO aims to reduce CVD mortality by 2030
Atherosclerosis is an important process that underlies many CVDs. It occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart and other organs. This can lead to complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent or manage many heart conditions. For example:
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
- Following a heart-healthy diet lower in salt, sugar and saturated fats
- Managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol
If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health, organizations like Vitality Renewal Clinic(/) can help. Their experts specialize in customized hormone therapy regimens to help patients prevent and manage heart disease risks. Contact them today for a consultation!
Now onto some key questions about CVD:
What are the main types of CVD?
- As mentioned, CVD encompasses many conditions. Major types include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
What are the symptoms of CVD?
- Symptoms depend on the specific type of CVD but can include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the legs, fatigue, lightheadedness, racing heartbeat, swelling in the legs, feet or abdomen, and more.
How is CVD diagnosed?
- Doctors diagnose CVD using medical history, physical exams, blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, and other tests.
I hope this overview on cardiovascular disease helps provide some insight into this major global health concern. Please let me know if you have any other questions!