Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death globally. There are several types of cardiovascular disease:
- Coronary artery disease: This causes narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack. It happens when cholesterol plaques build up inside the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
- Cerebrovascular disease: This affects blood flow to the brain and increases risk of stroke. It happens when arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, often from fatty deposits.
- Peripheral artery disease: This narrows arteries carrying blood to the legs and arms. It can cause leg pain and increase risk of infection or amputation.
- Congenital heart defects: These are problems with heart structure that are present at birth. Examples are holes in the heart chambers or narrow/leaky valves.
- Deep vein thrombosis: This forms blood clots in the legs that can break loose and block blood flow to the lungs.
- Arrhythmias: These cause an abnormal heartbeat that is too slow, fast, or irregular. Common types are atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Some
risk factors for CVD that can't be changed are family history, age, and sex. However, there are many risk factors that
you have control over:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented by living a
healthy lifestyle:
- Don't smoke
- Eat a nutritious diet high in fruits/veggies
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
If you already have cardiovascular disease,
treatments may include medications like statins or ACE inhibitors, surgery/stents to open blocked arteries, or lifestyle changes like improving your diet and exercising more.
Following doctor's orders and making heart healthy choices can help you successfully manage CVD. Small positive steps every day to eat right, stay active, avoid tobacco and control conditions like diabetes or high BP all go a long way.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on this broad topic. Let me know if you have any other questions!