What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses various disorders such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and heart failure.
Some key facts about cardiovascular disease:
- CVD is the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVD in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths ((/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds))).
- The most common cause of CVD is atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This can lead to heart attack and stroke.
- Major risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and high cholesterol.
- Symptoms depend on the type of CVD but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and leg swelling.
Some ways to help prevent cardiovascular disease include:
- Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Exercising regularly - aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Getting regular checkups and screening tests
- Taking medications as prescribed if you have conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
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Now back to learning more about the key types of cardiovascular disease:
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, either too fast or slow. Examples are atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
- Heart failure: When the heart muscle is too weak to properly pump blood. Leads to fatigue and fluid buildup in lungs/legs.
- Congenital heart defects: Malformations in heart structure from birth. Examples are hole in the heart, narrowing of valves or vessels.
- Hypertensive heart disease: Heart damage due to chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure, causing enlarged heart.
In summary, cardiovascular disease refers to several conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk. Pay attention to symptoms and talk to your doctor about screening based on your medical history. With proper prevention and treatment, outcomes can be significantly improved in many cases of CVD.