Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

 

What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?

– CVD refers to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels.

– Common types include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

– It is one of the leading causes of death globally but is largely preventable with healthy lifestyle choices and medical management.

 

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease

– Symptoms may vary depending on the type of CVD, but common signs include:

– Chest pain or discomfort (angina)

– Shortness of breath

– Fatigue or weakness

– Rapid or irregular heartbeat

– Pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or back

– Numbness, pain, or coldness in the legs or arms (due to narrowed blood vessels)

– Dizziness or fainting

– Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen

 

Causes and Risk Factors

– Atherosclerosis: Buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow.

– Hypertension: High blood pressure damages the arteries over time.

– Diabetes: Increases the risk of heart disease.

– Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

– Smoking: Damages blood vessels and contributes to plaque buildup.

– Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to heart disease.

– Family History: A family history of CVD increases your risk.

– Age & Gender: Risk increases with age, and men are generally at higher risk earlier in life.

– Unhealthy Diet: High in fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugar.

– Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can negatively impact heart health.

 

Screening & Diagnostic Tests

– Blood Pressure Measurement: Regular checks to ensure it is within a healthy range (normal BP is 120/80 mmHg or below).

– Cholesterol Blood Test: Measures LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).

– Healthy total cholesterol: Less than 5 mmol/L.

– LDL: Less than 3 mmol/L.

– HDL: Above 1 mmol/L for men and 1.2 mmol/L for women.

– Blood Glucose Test: To check for diabetes.

– Fasting blood sugar: Less than 100 mg/dL.

– Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart to detect irregularities.

– Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess function.

– Stress Test: Monitors heart activity during physical exertion.

– Coronary Angiography: Uses X-ray imaging to view blood flow in the coronary arteries.

– CT or MRI Scans: Used to get detailed images of the heart and blood vessels.

 

Treatment Options

– Lifestyle Changes (First Line of Defense):

– Healthy Diet: Low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

– Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling).

– Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the heart.

– Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.

– Limit Alcohol: No more than 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.

– Manage Stress: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

 

– Medications (If lifestyle changes are insufficient):

– Blood Pressure Medications: Such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to lower blood pressure.

– Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Statins help reduce LDL cholesterol.

– Antiplatelet Drugs: Such as aspirin to prevent blood clots.

– Blood Sugar Control: Medications to manage diabetes.

– Antiarrhythmic Drugs: To help control irregular heartbeats.

 

– Medical Procedures:

– Angioplasty & Stent Placement: Opens narrowed or blocked arteries.

– Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Surgical procedure to create new routes for blood flow.

– Pacemaker: A device implanted to regulate heartbeats.

– Heart Valve Surgery: Repairs or replaces damaged heart valves.

– Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Device implanted to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.

 

Prevention Tips

– Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods.

– Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy heart.

– Quit Smoking: Eliminate tobacco use to reduce heart disease risk.

– Manage Stress: Adopt stress-relieving practices like meditation and deep breathing.

– Regular Screenings: Keep up with blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests.

– Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of CVD, take preventive measures early.

 

For more information or to schedule a heart health check-up, contact us at 8007444

Consult a Cardiologist