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 (CAD) - coronary arteries become clogged with plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle
  • Heart failure - heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs
  • Arrhythmia - heartbeat is irregular
  • Heart valve problems - valves don't open enough to allow sufficient blood flow

Some key risk factors for developing CVD are high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and high cholesterol. Genetic factors and age also play a role.

How does cardiovascular disease develop?

Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of many CVDs. This is the gradual buildup of plaque in the arteries over many years. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty deposits, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. As more plaque accumulates, it hardens and narrows the arteries - this is called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Over time, the narrowed and stiffened blood vessels restrict blood circulation. Organs then become starved of oxygen and vital nutrients. This can eventually lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As arteries narrow more significantly over time, some common signs include:

  • Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in legs when walking
  • Feeling unusually tired or weak
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Irregular heartbeat

How is cardiovascular disease treated?

Lifestyle changes like improving diet, increasing activity levels, stopping smoking, and losing weight can help prevent CVD from worsening. Medications may also be prescribed to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting.

Procedures like stents inserted into clogged arteries or bypass surgery reroute blood flow. For faulty heart valves, valve repair or replacement surgery may be done. Severe arrhythmias can be treated with devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

The earlier cardiovascular disease is caught, the better the outcome with modern treatments. But many heart and blood vessel changes can be prevented in the first place through healthy lifestyle choices.

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