Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (veins and arteries). They can be caused by a combination of behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental risk factors, including improper diet (daily consumption of meat, fish, eggs, dairy products that are a source of cholesterol), tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, air pollution, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and stress. Family history, ethnicity, gender, and age can also affect the risk of cardiovascular disease.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES?
Heart disease
Coronary heart disease, sometimes called coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It refers to heart problems caused by narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, they arise as a result of smoking, polluted air in cities and consumption of foods of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products that are a source of cholesterol). In some people, the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack.
Heart attack
A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when, usually due to the formation of a blood clot (accumulation of cholesterol), the flow of blood to the heart is interrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients, the heart muscle begins to die. A heart attack can cause permanent damage to the heart and can be fatal, especially if immediate medical attention is not provided. Studies show that people who drink hawthorn berry tea with a healthy lifestyle, they have much better protection than those who do not work on their health.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing the brain to lose its vital supply of oxygen and nutrients. A stroke can be caused by a blood clot in a brain artery or a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding, damaging brain tissue. A study says that people who drink ginkgo leaf tea with a healthy lifestyle, they have much better protection than those who do not work on their health.
Other states
Arrhythmia - irregular or abnormal heartbeat
Aortic disease (including aortic aneurysm) – a disease that causes the aorta to dilate or rupture
Cardiomyopathies – diseases of the heart muscle
Congenital heart disease - problems with the heart or blood vessels present at birth
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism - blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can be released and reach the heart and lungs via the bloodstream
Heart failure – a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as it should
Heart valve disease - a disease of the heart valves that maintain blood flow through the heart
Pericardial disease (pericarditis) – inflammation of the thin tissue sheath that surrounds the heart
Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
Vascular disease (vascular disease) – any condition affecting the circulatory system
Peripheral vascular disease (including peripheral arterial disease) – disease of the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
Cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels that supply the brain
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES?
It is important to know that cardiovascular diseases do not have to be accompanied by symptoms for a long time, and the first sign can be a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on the condition you have and may include:
- chest pain, tightness in the chest, pressure and discomfort in the chest
- pain, weakness or numbness in the legs and/or arms
- pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, shoulders, jaw and back
- shortness of breath
- getting tired quickly during exercise or other activities
- changes in heart rhythm
- very fast or slow heartbeats, palpitations or fluttering in the chest
- dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- weakness or fatigue
- swelling of the hands, legs, ankles or feet
- fever
- skin rash or unusual spots
- dry or persistent cough
Symptoms of a heart attack in men are most often intense chest pain, pain in the left arm or jaw, and difficulty breathing.
Although women may have some of the same symptoms, their pain is more often diffuse, spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen and back. Women may experience pain more like indigestion and pain that may not be constant. Absence of pain is also possible, but inexplicable anxiety, nausea, dizziness, palpitations and cold sweat may occur. A heart attack in women can be preceded by unexplained fatigue. Women are also more likely to have more severe first heart attacks that lead to death, compared to men.
HOW ARE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES DIAGNOSED?
Cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed using a series of laboratory tests and imaging tests. Some of the common tests used to diagnose cardiovascular disease include:
- laboratory blood tests
- X-ray of the chest
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- ergometry
- echocardiogram
- computed tomography (CT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- electron beam computed tomography (EBCT)
- cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography
WHAT DOES CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION INCLUDE?
According to the World Health Organization, as many as 80 % of all heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. Most deaths from cardiovascular disease are caused by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity or diabetes, which can be largely prevented or controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco. It is also very important to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
Treatment for cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the condition, but may include:
healthy lifestyle habits such as a proper plant-based diet, regular exercise, not smoking, avoiding the use of alcohol
You can read more information about preventing heart attacks and strokes HERE and HERE
