Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. It commonly involves conditions related to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels
Types of Cardiovascular Disease
CVD includes various conditions such as:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) : Disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, often causing angina (chest pain) or heart attacks when blood flow is blocked
- Cerebrovascular disease : Diseases affecting blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to strokes
- Peripheral arterial disease : Disease of blood vessels supplying the limbs, causing pain or mobility issues
- Heart failure : Condition where the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood effectively
- Arrhythmias : Abnormal heart rhythms due to electrical system problems in the heart
- Heart valve diseases : Problems with the heart valves causing improper blood flow
- Rheumatic heart disease : Damage to heart valves caused by rheumatic fever
- Congenital heart disease : Structural heart defects present from birth
- Aortic diseases : Including aneurysms where the aorta enlarges or tears
Causes and Risk Factors
The main underlying cause for many CVDs is atherosclerosis, which results from the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in artery walls. This process can reduce or block blood flow, causing heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease
. Major risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- High cholesterol
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetic factors and age
Impact and Prevention
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. However, up to 90% of CVD cases may be preventable through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and managing risk factors like blood pressure and diabetes
. In summary, cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of heart and blood vessel disorders primarily caused by atherosclerosis and other factors, leading to serious events like heart attacks and strokes, but largely preventable with healthy lifestyle and medical management.
