Cardiovascular Disease: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Strategies
CVDs, or cardiovascular diseases, are a group of conditions of the blood arteries and heart. These conditions are the leading cause of death worldwide, contributing to nearly 17.9 million deaths every year. CVDs include, among many ailments, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and others.
However, many remain unaware of its early signs until serious complications arise.
This guide explores the different types of the disease, its causes and risk factors, its symptoms, and possible prevention and management. Keep reading for an in-depth analysis.
What are the Types of Cardiovascular Diseases?
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) results from plaque formation, narrowing or occluding the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. It can cause heart attacks or chest discomfort (angina).
- Cerebrovascular disease is a disorder of the blood arteries providing the brain, such as stroke, which might arise from blockage or bleeding in the brain.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is when blood vessels in the legs narrow, usually causing discomfort and mobility problems.
- Rheumatic heart disease is damage to cardiac valves and muscles caused by rheumatic fever, usually following streptococcal infections.
- Structural heart defects arising from birth are congenital heart diseases.
- Blood clots in the deep veins of deep vein thrombosis can dislodge and block blood flow to the lungs.
What Causes Cardiovascular Disease and Who is at Risk?
CVDs are caused by several different things:
- Unhealthy Diet: It consists of high levels of salt, sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats, all of which can raise the risk.
- Physical Inactivity: One primary risk factor is a lack of regular activity.
- Tobacco Use:Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke significantly raises the risk.
- Harmful Use of Alcohol:Excessive alcohol consumption can cause several cardiac disorders.
- Obesity:Carrying excess body weight is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): This puts continuous stress on the heart and arteries, raising the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- High Cholesterol Levels:It can cause LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can harm blood arteries by causing high sugar levels in the blood.
- Air Pollution:Exposure to contaminated air raises CVD risk.
- Genetic Factors: Heart disease in the family can increase vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases.
What are the Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease?
Although Symptoms of CVD differ depending on the specific condition, they may include:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort:Often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing.
- Shortness of Breath:Particularly during physical activity or at rest.
- Pain in the Neck, Jaw, Throat, Upper Abdomen, or Back:These areas can be affected during heart events
- Pain, Numbness, Weakness, or Coldness in the Legs or Arms:If the blood vessels in those areas are narrowed.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness could indicate heart failure.
It's important to note that some people might not show obvious symptoms at all until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, happens.
How can Cardiovascular Disease be Prevented and Managed?
Managing CVD needs both medical treatments and lifestyle modifications when required:
- Prioritize meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of proteins, and healthy fats.
- Engage in physical exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly at a moderate intensity level.
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Limit alcohol use, if at all, and drink sensibly.
- Regular health checks cover blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
- To manage problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, as directed.
Reducing the risk of major consequences linked with cardiovascular illnesses depends much on early identification and intervention.
Cardiovascular illnesses are a significant global health concern that affects millions of people and often advance quietly until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, happens. Still, most cardiovascular diseases are avoidable through persistent lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, a wholesome diet, and abstinence from tobacco.
Early detection and prompt medical treatment can greatly lower the consequences and improve the quality of life. Combating the growing CVDs depends mostly on general awareness and education.
At Star Health, we offer specialized cardiac insurance plans—like the Star Cardiac Care and Cardiac Care Platinum policies—designed to support individuals with pre-existing heart conditions by covering hospitalization, advanced treatments, and cardiac procedures.