A cardiovascular system is responsible for supplying blood to different parts of the body. This system consists of the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries.

Cardiovascular diseases are the prevailing cause of death globally. In this article, we will see the causes, symptoms and treatment of CVD. Read on!

CVD or cardiovascular diseases, in general, means the conditions that affect the heart or the blood vessels. It is generally linked with an accumulation of fat deposits in arteries and higher risks of blood clots. Furthermore, it might be associated with any damage to the arteries in the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys.

Broadly, there are four types of cardiovascular diseases –

1. Coronary Heart Disease

This condition happens in case the flow of oxygen-rich blood is reduced or blocked to the muscles of the heart. Coronary heart disease puts a lot of pressure on the heart and can cause angina, heart attacks and heart failure.

2. Strokes and TIAs

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to any part of the brain stops permanently. This leads to brain damage and even death. TIA or transient ischaemic attack is similar to strokes, but the blood supply stops temporarily in one’s brain.

3. Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease happens when there is a blockage in the arteries of the limbs. This condition can cause cramping or dull leg pain, weakness or numbness in the legs and persistent Sores on your toes, feet or legs etc.

4. Aortic Disease

There are a number of conditions that affect the aorta. The aorta in the human body is the largest blood vessel that carries blood from heart to the rest of the body parts. The most common aortic disease is an aortic aneurysm. In this condition, the aorta weakens and bulges outwards.

Primary causes of cardiovascular diseases are not clear; however, several risk factors trigger CVD. Higher the number of risk factors, greater are the chances of getting affected with CVD. The primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease are as follows –

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Inactivity
• Being obese or overweight
• Family history of cardiovascular diseases

Stroke or heart attack is one of the main types of cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms of heart attack are as follows –

• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• Discomfort or pain in arms, elbows, back, jaws and left arms
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
• Vomiting or nausea
• Fainting or light-headedness
• Cold sweat
• Turning pale

Some other common signs of a stroke include –

• Sudden weakness of arm, leg or face
• Numbness of face, leg, arm
• Difficulty in seeing
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Severe headache
• Unconsciousness

People above the age of fifty years are at higher risk for CVD. Furthermore, men have higher odds of developing CVD at an early age. Individuals with an unhealthy diet and excessive consumption of alcohol are more likely to get affected by cardiovascular diseases.

Your doctor might perform a number of procedures and tests to diagnose your condition at a hospital or during the first few weeks at home. These tests assist the doctor in determining the underlying cause of the CVD and the damage done. The tests and procedures include –

• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test
• Cardiac CT Scan
• Cardiac MRI

The treatment for a cardiovascular disease includes –

• Medications for blood-thinning diseases, statins, beta-blockers, nitrates, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-2-receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.
• Surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting and valve replacement or repair surgery
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Lifestyle counselling

The best prevention for cardiovascular diseases is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The following practises can help you stay protected from cardiovascular diseases –

• Quit smoking
• Having a balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Cutting down on alcohol
• Medications such as low-dose aspirin and tablets

Now that individuals know all about cardiovascular diseases, they can follow the above-mentioned preventive measures to keep away from them.