Learn About Cardiovascular Disease In A Simple Way
Cardiovascular disease, in layman’s language, is called heart and circulatory disease. These refer to a class of diseases involving clogged or blocked blood vessels that can lead to chest pain, heart attack or stroke. Cardiovascular disease also includes heart problems which affect heart muscles, valves, or rhythm. Heart disease is among the most common causes of death worldwide. Most people face heart disease symptoms and rely on medication on a daily basis to manage those symptoms. Medication depends upon the type of heart disease they are suffering from. In this blog, we’ll discuss the various types of heart diseases, their symptoms and treatments.
Types of Cardiovascular Disease
There are many types of cardiovascular disease. Some are common that everyone is well versed with, and some many have not heard about. The diseases are categorised depending on the part they affect:
Blood Vessel
1. Coronary Artery Disease(CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease(CAD) is the most common heart disease. It is when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes narrow or blocked due to plaque build-up. It can cause chest pain, heart attack and many other complications.
2. Peripheral Artery Disease(PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is determined by narrowing or blocking of vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs. It leads to pain and numbness in the extremities. In certain cases, it can also cause tissue damage or amputation.
3. Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease is when an artery supplying blood to the brain is narrowed or blocked. It may lead to stroke, unusual swelling or bulge, or brain bleeding.
Heart
1. Hypertension
Hypertension is also referred to as high blood pressure. In this heart problem, the flow of blood against the artery wall is too high. It damages the arteries leading to heart problems like heart attack or stroke.
2. Pulmonary Heart Disease
This is a condition in which the right ventricle of your heart is enlarged because of a lung condition. It may lead to failure of the right side of the heart. It is mainly chronic or long-term.
3. Heart failure
In this type of cardiovascular disease, the heart is unable to pump blood properly because it becomes either weakened or stiff. It can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or fluid retention.
Inflammatory Heart Disease
1. Endocarditis
In this type of heart disease, there is inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, known as the endocardium. The structure involves heart valves.
Valvular Cardiovascular Diseases
1. Congenital Heart Disease
This type of cardiovascular disease refers to the structural abnormalities in the heart that are present since birth. It ranges from simple defects to intricate malformations needing clinical interference or surgery.
2. Rheumatic Heart Disease
This type of cardiovascular disease is damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, causing strep throat and scarlet fever, caused by Streptococcus bacteria.
Heart Disease Symptoms
Though the heart disease symptoms may vary depending upon the specific condition. Some of the common symptoms of cardiovascular disease are:
Chest pain or pressure in the chest;
Shortness of breath;
Fatigue;
Rapid or irregular heartbeat;
Dizziness or lightheadedness;
Swelling in legs, ankles or feet;
Cold sweats;
Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of Heart Disease In Women
Women face almost the same heart disease symptoms as men. But, the chest pain may not be severe or even noticeable in women. Most women often describe heart attacks as pressure in the chest. Symptoms of heart disease in women are mostly not related to chest pain:
Discomfort in neck, jaw, shoulder abdomen or upper back;
Pain in one or both arms;
Shortness of breath;
Sweating;
Indigestion
Common Causes of Cardiovascular Disease
There are several risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Some of the common causes are:
Age;
Smoking;
Hypertension or high blood pressure;
High Blood Cholesterol;
Physical inactivity;
Family History;
Obesity;
Stress;
Excessive consumption of alcohol;
Diabetes
Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease
The treatment options depend upon the type of cardiovascular disease. The treatment for cardiovascular disease includes:
Medication: At the very first, doctors suggest medicines to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improve blood flow, or regulate heart rhythm.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: It includes exercise prescriptions and lifestyle counselling.
Surgery: If nothing is favourable, then surgeries are done depending on the heart problem, such as coronary artery bypass grafting or valve repair or replacement surgery.
Criticare Lifeline Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and experts in the cardiology department. The professionals have years of experience in treating and performing surgeries for various types of cardiovascular disease. The hospital provides 24-hour medical care ensuring smooth regular check-ups and post-surgery care to ensure your healthy recovery.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Not all, but many types of cardiovascular disease are preventable. Making changes in your lifestyle can help you prevent many cardiovascular disease. These include:
Reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption;
Managing body weight and incorporating physical activities in daily routine;
A healthy diet;
Quit smoking;
Managing stress;
Regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease not only affects your heart or blood vessels but the whole body and lifestyle. Without appropriate treatment and heart disease symptoms management, it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Scheduling regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medication can help you prevent heart problems and lead a healthy life.
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