Cardiovascular disease

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. Some key things to know about CVD:

Causes

The most common causes include:

• Atherosclerosis - buildup of plaque in the arteries


• High blood pressure


• Diabetes


• Obesity


• Smoking


• Unhealthy diet


• Physical inactivity

Types

Major types of CVD include:

• Coronary artery disease - plaque in the heart's arteries


• Heart failure - when the heart can't pump adequate blood


• Arrhythmia - irregular heartbeat


• Heart valve problems


• Congenital heart defects - problems present at birth

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

• Chest pain or tightness


• Shortness of breath


• Palpitations


• Lightheadedness


• Swelling in legs

However, many people with CVD may not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed.

Risk Factors

Risk factors to watch out for:

• High cholesterol


• High blood pressure


• Diabetes


• Family history of CVD


• Age (risk rises as we get older)


• Gender (men at greater risk)


• Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Diagnosis and Treatment

CVD may be diagnosed through physical exams, blood tests, ECG, stress tests, CT scans, MRIs, and angiograms.

Treatments can include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you are concerned about CVD risk factors or symptoms, consider getting a check up with the caring doctors at Renew Hormone Clinic. Their individualized plans help patients prevent and manage CVD through hormone optimization, nutrition planning, and fitness guidance.

Prevention

To help prevent CVD:

• Maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels


• Don't smoke


• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet


• Exercise regularly


• Limit alcohol


• Manage stress levels

Following healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in keeping our hearts healthy! Let me know if you have any other questions.