What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension. These diseases develop due to narrowed, blocked, or damaged blood vessels, which reduce blood flow to vital organs, increasing the risk of life-threatening events.
Common risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of heart disease. Symptoms may vary but often include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. Proper cardiovascular care involves early detection, regular health screenings, lifestyle modifications, and medical management to prevent heart-related complications.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease
- Chronic Stress – Prolonged stress can lead to high blood pressure and increased heart strain, raising the risk of heart disease.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Drinking too much alcohol can contribute to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and cardiomyopathy.
- Sleep Apnea – This sleep disorder disrupts oxygen flow, increasing blood pressure and the risk of heart conditions.
- Genetic Factors & Family History – A family history of cardiovascular disease can increase the likelihood of developing heart-related issues.
- Lack of physical activity – Contributes to obesity, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
- Unhealthy diet – High in processed foods, trans fats, and excessive salt.
- Obesity – Increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease:
- Chest pain or discomfort – A feeling of tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest (angina).
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (Edema) – Caused by fluid buildup due to poor heart function.
- Persistent cough with pink or white phlegm – May indicate heart failure causing fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Difficulty exercising or reduced stamina – Feeling unusually weak or breathless during routine activities.
- Cold sweats – Unexplained sweating, often accompanied by nausea, can be a sign of a heart attack.
- Pain in arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back – Often associated with heart attacks.
