What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a general term used to describe a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases can damage blood vessels, interrupt the brain’s blood supply, and cause irregular heart rates. The most common forms of CVD are coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases 

Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart’s blood supply has been interrupted by a blockage of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attacks, which is when the stops pumping blood.

A Stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is halted or if an artery in the brain ruptures. In many cases strokes can cause the brain to become damaged which have long term effects.

Hypertension (high blood pressure ) happens when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. This consistent high rate of speed against the arteries also causes the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart muscle is not pumping blood enough to give the body a sufficient amount to function correctly. When this happens, fluid begins to build up in the lungs.

What Are The Symptoms of CVD?

Some of the symptoms that may be experienced when dealing with Cardiovascular Disease are:

  • Chest pains
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling in some regions of the body ( stomach, legs, or eyes)
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin rashes or skin discoloration
  • Fever

Causes & Risk Factors of CVD

Because cardiovascular disease is generally used to describe multiple conditions, there are multiple ways to develop this condition. Many conditions develop when there is damage to the circulatory system from different conditions like diabetes, congenital disabilities, and high cholesterol. Some of the risk factors may include:

  • Sex, men are more likely to develop CVD
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Genetics
  • Age
  • High levels of Stress
  • Physical inactivity

Diagnosis & Treatment

There are multiple ways to diagnose CVD, but the most common forms of diagnosis are blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), and also echocardiograms. Because cardiovascular disease is now one of the most common causes of death worldwide, there are numerous amount of treatment options available like :

  • Medication that is used to regulate heart rhythm, improve blood flow, and lower cholesterol levels.
  • Surgery to repair damaged valves or heart transplants
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Lifestyle changes