What is Cardiovascular Disease?
By: Robert NamTotal Views: 192, Word Count: 889,
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) covers all the disease and conditions related to the heart and the blood vessels. In this diverse group, there are several forms and causes of heart disease, however in the developed countries the main underlying cause for this disease is atherosclerosis - the abnormal buildup of fat and cholesterol in the inner lining of arteries, which is also called as formation of plaque. Atherosclerosis can be more dangerous and serious when it affects the supply of blood to the heart or to the brain. It is a slow and complex process, which starts from childhood and progresses with age.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease
The cause of cardiovascular heart disease depends on the specific cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular disease is not only a single disease, rather it is a name used to describe several heart diseases. Generally, there are about more than sixty types of cardiovascular heart disease. The common causes of the cardiovascular heart disease may include.
- Alcohol and smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- No exercise
- Sedentary life style
Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease
The risk factor for the cardiovascular disease depends on the specific heart disease. Following are the common types of cardiovascular heart disease risk factors, it includes.
- Increasing age
- Family history of the cardiovascular disease
- Ethnicity
- High Cholesterol level
- High blood pressure level
- Diabetes
- Atrial fibrillation
- Being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Stop smoking
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
There are different types of heart disease; the most common heart disease is the coronary heart disease. Therefore, the possible signs and symptoms of the cardiovascular heart disease may not be same in all the cases. Mentioned below are the common signs and symptoms of the heart disease or cardiovascular disease.
· Chest pain or chest discomfort
· Pain in the arms, shoulder, neck , back or jaw
· Shortness of breath
· Dizziness
· Nausea
· Feeling tired
· Abnormal heart bears
· Headache
· Cold or numb feeling in the feet or toes
· Difficulty while speaking
· Loss of balance or coordination
Diagnosis Test for Cardiovascular Disease
There are a number of different tests, which your doctor can use for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Some of the tests related to cardiovascular diseases are.
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Chest X-ray
- Nuclear scan
- Ultra sound
- Biopsy
- Angiography
Treatment for Cardiovascular Disease
The cardiovascular disease is not a one condition of disease, so its treatment also depends moreover on the condition of the disease. It includes.
· Biochemical test
· Hormone test
· Heart medications
· Surgery
· Rehabilitation
· Life style change
· Heart transplant
· Atrial fibrillation
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Following are the steps through which you can prevent the cardiovascular disease, if it is not genetic. It includes
- Eating a healthy heart diet
- Eating a low fat diet
- Use of less sodium in diet
- Regular exercise
- Stop smoking
- Limit on the alcohol drinks
- Maintain the cholesterol level
- Maintain the blood pressure level
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain the diabetes
- Managing the stress level
- Keeping watch on health and regular health check up
- Proper medication
- Making a proper lifestyle changes
Talk openly with your doctor, if you find any of the above symptoms related to cardiovascular heart disease. They are the ones who are at the best position to discuss about your options. Together, you can take out a relevant treatment or the prevention steps related to cardiovascular disease.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Nam is a well known heart specialist and has done postgraduate training in cardiology at the national heart hospital, the London chest hospital and UCL hospital, London. He was also engaged in research at the national heart and lung institute. Nowadays he is working as a consultant cardiologist at UCL hospital, London.
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