Cardiovascular disease is the general term for various illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels. It’s often used interchangeably with heart disease, but the terms are not the same. Cardiovascular disease includes any condition that can affect the structure of the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, and other heart conditions that affect the heart muscle, heart valves, or heart rhythm. The term also encompasses congenital heart disease, which is the result of a heart defect.
Heart problems affect the entire body, causing blood pressure to rise, abnormal heartbeats, blood vessel problems, as well as heart attacks. These problems are all common in people with heart disease, which is also known as cardiovascular disease. The most common form of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, which involves the narrowing of the arteries. While this form of heart disease accounts for more than 50% of all heart disease-related deaths, there are other types of heart problems that affect the valves and pumping abilities of the heart.
There are several types of heart problems, but they are all related to atherosclerosis, which is a condition in which the plaque builds up in the arteries and narrows them. Once this happens, blood cannot flow through the artery and a heart attack or stroke can occur. This type of heart disease is often the silent killer because there are no symptoms until the heart is too weak to pump blood efficiently.
There are several types of cardiomyopathy, which include the following: restrictive cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy, which affects the left ventricle, is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart and is often genetic. This type of heart disease can cause serious problems, and over 500 people are diagnosed each year in the UK. So, it’s important to understand the difference between inherited and acquired heart disease.
A condition known as congenital heart disease occurs when the heart is still developing. If the heart is not developed properly, the abnormality can interfere with its ability to pump blood, causing problems at birth and in adulthood. Some of the more common congenital heart diseases include septal abnormalities and holes in the heart wall that separate the right and left sides of the heart. These are usually treatable with surgery, while others are permanent and require ongoing monitoring.
Various risk factors contribute to cardiovascular diseases, such as being overweight or obese, and not exercising. Genetics, age, and smoking are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Smoking, diabetes, and age are among the other risk factors. Those with a family history of cardiovascular disease should also be aware of the risks of developing the disease. And the earlier you start the treatment, the better your chances will be of a full recovery.
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all deaths. Unfortunately, it is not easy to cure and can be deadly. While heart disease is a common disease, it is still not the only reason to lead a healthy life. Learn what causes heart disease and take action to prevent it. And don’t forget to talk to your doctor about heart disease risk factors. There are many ways to improve your overall health and prevent heart disease.
Many different types of heart disease fall under the umbrella term “heart disease” or simply the phrase “heart disease.” A common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries. The resulting blockage can damage the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack. The symptoms of CHD may be vague or not present at all. Women are less likely to seek immediate help because they develop symptoms later than men do. Further, some diagnostic tests are more inaccurate in women than in men, so some health professionals may not check a heart condition in a woman.
Several medications can help people deal with cardiovascular disease and improve the quality of their lives. Anticoagulants can help prevent blood clotting and are used to treat some heart and blood vessel conditions. Antiplatelet drugs can prevent blood clots in patients who have had a heart attack or stroke. Dual antiplatelet agents may be used to treat a heart attack or stroke. Many people are unable to live a normal life because of cardiovascular disease.
