What is
cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease
(CVD) is a massive public health burden, accounting for over 30% of global
mortality. CVD is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood
vessels. The two most common types of CVD include coronary heart disease (CHD)
and stroke, both of which are caused by atherosclerosis.
All blood cycles through
the heart via blood vessels in order to replenish the amount of oxygen it
carries to the rest of the body. Atherosclerosis is the gradual narrowing of
blood vessels due to a build up of plaque (fatty deposits). Overtime, these
deposits can restrict the entire vessel restricting the supply of blood to
areas of the body. When oxygen-rich blood does not reach parts of the body,
serious complications can occur.
Coronary heart disease is
when the coronary arteries, the two major blood vessels that supply the heart,
are restricted or blocked. Restricted blood flow can cause chest pain, a
condition commonly called angina; while blocked blood flow can cause a heart
attack (myocardial infarction).
A stroke is when the
blood supply to the brain is cut off. When blood flow is restricted to the
brain, brain cells quickly begin to die causing brain damage and possible
death.
Both heart attack and
stroke are medical emergencies because the sooner a patient receives treatment,
the less permanent damage is likely to occur.
Risk
factors of cardiovascular disease
Risk factors increase the
likelihood of developing a disease. While family history and ethnic background
may be associated factors to CVD, the major risk factors contributing to CVD
are hugely lifestyle-related including:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Being sedentary (physically inactive)
- Stress
- Alcohol consumption
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body weight can be easily measured and monitored. Being aware of these factors and reduce the risk of a serious complication.
Common
signs
The common signs of heart
disease include chest pain (angina), tightness in the chest, lightheadedness,
shortness of breath, pain or numbness in other parts of the body and nausea.
Heart attacks can sometimes occur without any symptoms, called a silent heart
attack. This is more common among people with diabetes.
The common signs of
stroke can include the face dropping on one side, unable to lift both arms and slurred
or incapacitated speech. This requires immediate medical attention.
References
