Synopsis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. These disorders typically result from atherosclerosis—a buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fats, calcium) in the arteries, leading to narrowing or blockage, which impairs blood flow to the heart or brain.

CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, often developing over time due to modifiable risk factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress. Preventing and managing cardiovascular disease focuses on reducing these risk factors, improving circulation, supporting heart function, and addressing underlying inflammation and oxidative stress.

Types:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blockage or narrowing of coronary arteries.

• Hypertension (High blood pressure): Increased pressure in arteries, stressing the heart.

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats (e.g., atrial fibrillation).

• Heart failure: Heart cannot pump blood effectively.

• Stroke: Blockage or rupture of blood vessels supplying the brain.

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to limbs.

Common Causes (Risk Factors):

• High cholesterol (LDL): Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.

• Hypertension: Damages arterial walls, promoting plaque formation.

• Smoking: Increases oxidative stress and vascular damage.

• Diabetes or insulin resistance: Raises cardiovascular risk.

• Obesity: Elevates blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Reduces cardiac efficiency and circulatory health.

• Chronic inflammation: Drives plaque instability and arterial damage.

• Poor diet: High in processed foods, low in fiber and antioxidants.

• Family history: Genetic predisposition to heart disease.

• Age and gender: Risk increases with age, higher in men earlier.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Complete blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Stroke: Blocked or ruptured blood vessels in the brain.

• Heart failure: Chronic inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood.

• Arrhythmias: May lead to cardiac arrest or blood clots.

• Kidney damage: From reduced blood flow or hypertension.

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Pain and tissue damage in limbs.

When to See a Doctor or Specialist (Cardiologist, Primary Care):

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or dizziness.

• High blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or family history of heart disease.

• Symptoms of stroke: Numbness, weakness, slurred speech, vision problems.

• Routine cardiovascular screening for at-risk individuals.

Variant names

Heart disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Atherosclerosis
Circulatory system disorders
Cardiac dysfunction