Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the class of disorders in which your heart and/or blood vessels are affected to a varying degree of severity. There are two types of individuals with CVD: those who are physically suffering the disease and those who are asymptomatic. Following are the disorders are categorised as cardiovascular disease:
| Type of Cardiovascular Disease | Description | Key Impact on Health |
| Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) | Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup. | Leads to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and reduced blood flow to the heart. |
| Hypertensive Heart Disease | Heart problems caused by high blood pressure. | Can lead to heart failure, thickened heart muscle, and arrhythmias. |
| Heart Failure | The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. | Causes fatigue, breathlessness, and fluid retention. |
| Arrhythmia | Abnormal heart rhythms—too fast, too slow, or irregular. | May cause palpitations, dizziness, or sudden cardiac arrest. |
| Congenital Heart Disease | Heart structure abnormalities present at birth. | Can affect oxygen flow and lead to complications later in life. |
| Cardiomyopathy | Disease of the heart muscle makes it harder to pump blood. | May cause heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden death. |
| Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) | Narrowing of blood vessels outside the heart, often in the legs. | Causes leg pain, numbness, and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. |
| Rheumatic Heart Disease | Damage to heart valves from rheumatic fever (a complication of strep throat). | Can lead to heart failure and valve problems. |
| Aortic Disease | Disorders affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms. | Risk of rupture can lead to life-threatening bleeding. |
| Stroke | Interruption of blood supply to the brain. | Leads to paralysis, speech difficulties, and long-term disability. |
The causes of heart diseases differ according to the type. For example, atherosclerosis (plaque accumulation in your arteries) causes coronary and peripheral artery disease. Arrhythmias can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart muscle scarring, hereditary conditions, or certain medications. Valve disorders can be caused by aging, infection, or rheumatic diseases.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
Depending on the reason, the symptoms of cardiovascular disease might change. The symptoms may be less pronounced in women and older persons. However, they still may suffer from severe cardiovascular events.
| Category | Symptom |
| Symptoms of Heart Issues | Chest pain (angina) |
| Chest pressure, heaviness or discomfort (like a “belt around the chest” or a “weight on the chest”) | |
| Shortness of breath (dyspnea) | |
| Dizziness or fainting | |
| Fatigue or exhaustion | |
| Symptoms of Blockages in Blood Vessels | Pain or cramps in your legs when you walk |
| Leg sores that aren’t healing | |
| Cool or red skin on your legs | |
| Swelling in your legs | |
| Numbness in your face or a limb (possibly one-sided) | |
| Difficulty with talking, seeing, or walking |
Although they aren't exactly the same, heart disease and cardiovascular disease are sometimes used interchangeably. Any disorder that affects the heart or blood vessels, such as peripheral artery disease, excessive blood pressure, or stroke, is referred to as cardiovascular disease. In contrast, heart disease is a subtype of cardiovascular illness that particularly refers to disorders that directly impact the heart, including congenital heart abnormalities, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. To put it briefly, not all cardiovascular illnesses are heart diseases, but all heart diseases are cardiovascular disorders.
Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices and understanding when to seek expert advice are the first steps in preventing cardiovascular disease. A balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, salt, and added sugars and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is advised by experts. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes most days of a week, lowers blood pressure, lowers stress, and helps people maintain a healthy weight. Getting enough sleep, reducing alcohol use, and quitting smoking are also essential for heart health. It's crucial to keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in addition to these practices.
If you have a family history of heart disease or if you suffer from symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or unexplained lethargy, you should see a doctor immediately. Preventing major cardiovascular events can be greatly aided by early intervention.
Cardiovascular disease can be managed with medication or lifestyle modifications. Effective therapy may be aided by an earlier diagnosis. Many people with cardiovascular disease have active, fulfilling lives.
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Q1: Is it possible to completely treat cardiovascular disease?
A: Although certain types cannot be totally cured, medicines, lifestyle modifications, and even medical treatments can greatly enhance heart health and reduce the progression of the condition.
Q2: How often should I have my heart examined?
A: Adults who have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease should undergo routine checkups at least once a year.
Q3: Are there early detection tests for cardiovascular disease?
A: Yes, examinations such as echocardiograms, ECGs, cholesterol testing, and blood pressure checks can aid in identifying cardiovascular problems early on.
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