Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. CVD includes coronary artery disease (CAD), such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Other CVDs include stroke, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, carditis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, thromboembolic disease, and venous thrombosis.

Types[edit | edit source]

The most common type of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, is caused by atherosclerosis — a build-up of fatty material and plaque in the walls of the arteries. This build-up narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

There are many risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Some of these include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. Age, sex, and family history are also important risk factors.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of cardiovascular disease involves improving risk factors through: healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol intake. Medications and therapy can also be used to manage cardiovascular disease, but they are typically not as effective as lifestyle changes.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for cardiovascular disease typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications to control risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In some cases, procedures such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary.