What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the 1 cause of death globally. Approximately 18 million deaths occur each year from CVD, particularly from heart disease and stroke.
Types of cardiovascular disease include:
- Heart disease - Includes coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disease, and irregular heart rhythms. In CAD, the arteries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart become damaged and narrowed due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries.
- Stroke - When there is an interruption of blood supply to the brain, it causes a stroke. This is usually due to a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel or burst vessel that hemorrhages.
- Arrhythmia - Abnormal heart rhythms, either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). This impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
- Hypertensive heart disease - High blood pressure hardens and thickens heart muscle, resulting in dysfunction.
- Peripheral artery disease - Narrowing of the arteries to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys. This means less blood flow to these limbs and organs.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
- Age - Risk increases significantly after age 40.
- Gender - Men are more likely than women, though the gender gap closes after age 60.
- Obesity - Being overweight strains the heart and wears out arteries faster.
- Poor diet - High saturated fat, sugar, and salt intake accelerates cardiovascular decline.
- Inactivity - Lack of exercise or prolonged sitting increases risk.
- Smoking - Due to nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
In summary, cardiovascular disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system, chiefly heart disease and stroke. Key risk factors relate to age, gender, diet, activity levels, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Concerned individuals should obtain thorough heart health checks and utilize multi-modal treatment options. Specialist cardiovascular clinics like Vital Hormone Clinic take a holistic approach to promoting long-term cardiovascular wellness.