Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple issues such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and stroke. CVD is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year.
The most common cause of CVD is atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque in the arteries over many years. This can lead to ischemia, heart attacks, and hypertension. Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and diabetes. Genetics and increasing age also raise risk.
Symptoms depend on the type of CVD but may include:
Fortunately, CVD is largely preventable through lifestyle changes:
Medications can also lower risk by controlling factors like cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Procedures like bypass surgery and stenting may be used to treat blocked arteries.
If you have ongoing cardiac concerns, consider consulting with the knowledgeable doctors at Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their integrative treatments can help address root causes like inflammation and hormonal imbalances to support whole body health.
Early evaluation is key, as detecting CVD risks pre-symptom allows for preventative action. All adults should undergo periodic cardiovascular screening exams after age 20. Certain tests like EKGs, stress tests, CT scans, and lab work help diagnose issues.
In summary, CVD encompasses many common heart and vessel conditions with shared risk factors. Avoiding smoking, eating well, staying active, and managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol is crucial. If at risk or concerned about heart health, comprehensive testing and lifestyle changes can significantly lower likelihood of CVD events. Specialty clinics like Hormone Harmony Clinic provide individualized care. Catching issues early and modifying controllable risks offers the best opportunity for prevention and positive cardiovascular outcomes.