CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The body receives blood through the cardiovascular, or circulatory, system. The heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries also make up this structure.

Heart and blood vessel disorders are collectively referred to as cardiovascular disease (CVD). The development of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and a higher risk of blood clots are typically connected with it. Damage to the arteries in several organs, including the kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain, can also be linked to it.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives to enjoy many more years of productive activity. But having a heart attack does mean you have to make some changes. 

A healthy lifestyle can frequently greatly reduce the risk of CVD, one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the UK. Consequently, in the United States, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death. Knowing more about your heart can help you prevent problems later on. By understanding your illness and taking care of yourself, those who have it can lead better, more active lives.

Nowadays, CVD is the leading global cause of death. There are numerous ways to lower the chance of contracting these illnesses, though. If they do, there are numerous therapeutic options available. The symptoms, management, and prevention of the diseases that make up CVD occur simultaneously.

In this post, we’ll examine the many forms of CVD, their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

There are numerous different conditions included in CVD. Some of these can manifest simultaneously or give rise to additional disorders or diseases that affect the group.

TYPES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Arrhythmia: A malfunction in your heart’s electrical conduction system that can result in irregular heartbeats or heart rates.

Valve disease: is characterized by stiffening or leaking of your heart valves (structures that allow blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber or blood vessel).

Coronary artery disease: A problem with the blood vessels in your heart, such as blockages.

Heart failure: is a problem with the heart’s pumping and relaxing functions, which causes fluid buildup and breathing difficulties.

Peripheral artery disease: refers to problems with the blood vessels in your arms, legs, or abdomen, such as shrinking or obstructions.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blockage in the veins, which transport blood from the brain/body to the heart.

Aortic disease refers to a problem with the large blood vessel that transports blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of your body, such as dilatation or aneurysm.

Congenital heart disease: A heart condition that is present at birth and can affect various parts of the heart.

Pericardial disease: A problem with your heart’s lining, including pericarditis and pericardial effusion.

Cerebrovascular disease: A problem with the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain, such as narrowing or blockages.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blockage in the veins, which transport blood from the brain/body to the heart.

CAUSES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Depending on the exact form, cardiovascular disease can have a variety of causes. For instance, coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease is a responsibility of the atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries). Arrhythmias can be brought on by coronary artery disease, cardiac muscle scarring, genetic issues, or drug side effects. Valve problems can be brought on by aging, infections, and rheumatic disease.

Subsequently, diabetes and other medical problems, such as a virus, an inflammatory process like myocarditis, or a structural issue present at birth, can also cause damage to the circulatory system (congenital heart disease). High blood pressure, which has no obvious symptoms, frequently causes CVD. In order to prevent high blood pressure, it is crucial that patients have regular screenings.

Subsequently, the precise ailment will determine the symptoms. Some diseases, like type 2 diabetes or hypertension, may show no symptoms at all in the beginning.

SYMPTOMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

However, typical signs of a cardiovascular condition include:

• Chest ache (angina).
• Pressure, heaviness, or distress in the chest, also known as a “belt around the chest” or a “weight on the chest.”Breathing difficulty (dyspnea).
• Feeling dizzy or weak
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Walking causes pain or cramps in your legs.
• Leg ulcers that are not healing
• Your legs begins to swell
• Numbness in the face or limbs. This could only be on one side of your body.
• Difficulties in speaking, seeing, or walking.

TREATMENT FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Symptoms and the type of cardiovascular disease you have can affect your treatment options. Treatment for cardiovascular disease may consist of:

Medication: To manage cardiovascular disease, your doctor may prescribe medication. Depending on the type of cardiovascular illness you have, your treatment options will vary.

Undergoing surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement or repair

Cardiac rehabilitation: To help your heart get stronger, you might need to engage in a controlled exercise regimen.

Active monitoring: Even without medications, treatments, or surgeries, you could need attentive observation over time.

Furthermore, the treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms, prevent consequences like hospitalization, heart failure, stroke, heart attack, or death as well as the likelihood of the ailment or disease repeating or getting worse.

PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

• Avoiding using any kind of tobacco.
• Controlling additional medical issues including Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
• Obtaining and preserving a healthy weight.
• Consuming a sodium- and saturated-fat-free diet.
• Consuming fresh fruits and also vegetables.
• Limiting consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fats avoiding an unhealthy lifestyle, especially for youngsters.

RISK FACTORS

• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
• High triglycerides (hyperlipidemia).
• Nicotine use (including vamping).
• Diabetes type 2.
• Heart disease in the family history
• Absence of exercise.
• Being overweight or obese.
• High-sodium, high-sugar, and high-fat diet.
• Excessive alcohol use
• Use of illegal or prescription drugs.
• Toxemia or preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Chronic autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
• Renal disease that is chronic.