Cardiovascular disease - Rejuvenate Clinic

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Some key facts about cardiovascular disease:

• CVDs are the 1 cause of death globally - an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths.
• The most common CVDs include ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, and other forms of heart disease.
• Key risk factors for CVDs include high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol.
• Many CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors like unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.

How does cardiovascular disease develop?

CVD often develops when excess fatty deposits build up inside the arteries (atherosclerosis). This narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow. It also makes it easier for blood clots to form and further block arteries. Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain (angina) or heart attack. Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke.

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

• Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in legs or arms (claudication)
• Pain in the neck, throat, upper abdomen or back

How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed and treated?

CVD diagnosis often begins with a physical exam, description of symptoms, and family history. The doctor may then order one or more diagnostic tests such as blood tests, EKG, stress test, CT scan, or angiogram. These provide information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow.

Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and medications to control CVD risk factors. Other treatments can include surgery or procedures (stenting, bypass grafting). Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing CVD by up to 80%.

I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of what cardiovascular disease entails!