Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more.
Some key facts about cardiovascular disease:
- CVDs are the 1 cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2016, representing 31% of global deaths.
- There are many risk factors for CVDs, including high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
- Many CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors. Key prevention strategies include living an active life, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Some common signs and symptoms of CVDs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the legs or arms
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to promptly contact your doctor to get checked out. Catching and treating CVD early is critical.
Do you have heart health concerns? The caring medical team at Hormone Wellness Institute can help restore optimal hormonal balance to promote cardiovascular wellness. Ask about our individualized treatment plans to reduce CVD risk factors today!
There are many different types of cardiovascular disease, including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) - caused by plaque buildup in the heart's arteries, potentially leading to heart attack.
- Heart failure - when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs.
- Arrhythmias - abnormalities in the heart's electrical system, causing it to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Examples are atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
- Congenital heart defects - problems in the heart's structure that are present from birth. Examples include holes in the heart and abnormal valves.
- Atherosclerosis - plaque buildup causing hardening and narrowing of arteries throughout the body.
Treatment depends on the specific type of CVD but can include medication, surgery (stenting, bypass grafting), implanted devices (pacemakers), and lifestyle changes.
With research advancements, many people are living longer with cardiovascular disease through evidence-based treatment approaches. Still, focusing on prevention by maintaining heart-healthy lifestyle habits remains the best way to reduce risk starting early in life.