Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. Some major types of CVD include:
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This can cause angina or a heart attack.
- Stroke: Interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, causing brain cell death. Major types are ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
- Hypertension: Chronically elevated blood pressure that damages arteries over time.
- Rheumatic heart disease: Damage to heart valves caused by rheumatic fever infection.
Risk factors for CVD include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Symptoms depend on the type but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, weakness, and more.
For the best chance at preventing and reversing
cardiovascular disease, it's important to adopt healthy lifestyle changes like:
- Eating a balanced, whole food diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing stress through yoga, meditation, etc.
- Taking any prescribed heart medications as directed
Diagnostic tests for CVD can identify problems early on when treatment is most effective. Some examples include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure electrical signals in the heart
- Echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart's structure
- Stress test monitors the heart during progressively intense exercise
- Cardiac catheterization threads a thin tube into the heart's arteries to check for blockages
Treatment focuses on relieving
symptoms, preventing disease progression, and reducing the risk of
complications like heart attacks. This is achieved through prescriptions, medical procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery, and lifestyle changes. With proper long-term management, many forms of CVD are controllable.
To wrap up, diseases of the heart and circulatory system are highly prevalent and responsible for millions of deaths annually. By knowing your risks and getting the right screening tests and treatments, cardiovascular disease can often be caught early and managed effectively to extend lifespan. Don't ignore warning signs - if you experience symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, get checked out promptly. Together we can fight the 1 cause of mortality worldwide through awareness and preventative care!