Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

The terms "heart disease" and "cardiovascular disease" are often used interchangeably. Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), racing heartbeat (tachycardia), heart infections and congenital heart defects. Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions involving blocked, narrowed or stiffened blood vessels that can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. Cardiovascular disease decreases the blood flow to the heart, brain or other parts of the body and may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms.

Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is one of the principal causes of cardiovascular disease. This condition occurs when cholesterol and other fatty substances build up in the inner walls of arteries forming hard structures called plaques. The buildup of plaques is gradual, slowly progressing, and cumulative. Over time, the plaques narrow the blood vessels and force the heart to work harder causing an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). When a soft plaque ruptures, the blood forms a clot (thrombus) around the plaque material, and the clot travels until it encounters a narrow blood vessel through which it cannot pass. The clot may partially obstruct or completely stop blood flow causing oxygen starvation in the tissues normally irrigated by the blood vessel.

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery gets blocked. A coronary artery is a blood vessel that supplies blood to a part of the heart muscle; the blockage is called a coronary thrombosis. Blockage of an artery to the brain causes an ischemic stroke. The cells of the brain tissue die within a few minutes after a stroke and can result in paralysis or speech impediments. Aneurysms are bulges and weakened sections of the blood vessels that can occur anywhere in the body. The bursting of an aneurysm causes internal bleeding that can have life-threatening consequences. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures inside the brain.

Heart failure, peripheral artery disease and cardiac arrest are other common complications of heart disease. Heart failure occurs when the muscles of the heart weaken and the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Peripheral artery disease is a condition where the limbs, usually the legs do not receive enough blood flow. This causes leg pain when walking (claudication). Cardiac arrest is the sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. This is usually caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its pumping action.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease

In epidemiology, a risk factor is a variable associated with an increased risk of disease. Some risk factors, such as sex, age or family cannot be reduced, whereas the risk posed by smoking and poor diet can be eliminated by lifestyle changes.

Smoking. The nicotine in tobacco constricts the blood vessels and the carbon monoxide from combustion damages the blood vessel lining.

Poor diets high in fat and cholesterol promote plaque buildup and increase the incidence of heart disease.

High blood pressure hardens the arteries and narrows the blood vessels.

High blood cholesterol levels increase formation of plaques and atherosclerosis.

Obesity and diabetes are closely related conditions that are associated with increased heart disease.

Physical inactivity causes weakness of the muscles, including the heart.

Poor hygiene, including poor dental health, can allow harmful bacteria to propagate and affect heart health.

Family history of heart disease increases the risk of coronary artery disease.

Being older increases the risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and weakened or thickened heart muscles.

Being male. Men generally have a greater risk of heart disease.

Prevention

The best preventive measures to avoid cardiovascular disease consist of avoiding bad habits like smoking. Smoking introduces a lot of noxious chemicals into the body and causes the deterioration of tissues. Long-term smokers frequently develop cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiovascular diseases can also be prevented by regularly eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat. Diets high in fibers from vegetables and nuts and low in saturated fat help to maintain normal cholesterol levels and avoid plaque formation in the blood vessels. Elimination of hydrogenated fats from the diet also helps to promote good blood lipid profiles.

Being overweight contributes to the development of diabetes and high blood pressure which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is advisable to maintain a body weight with a Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 24.9. The number of calories consumed can be reduced substantially by eliminating sugary drinks and cutting out cakes, doughnuts, ice cream, and other desserts. (Use the diet calculator) Avoid high blood pressure by exercising regularly for 30 minutes per day, by not exceeding the upper limit of 2.3 grams of sodium per day, and by managing stress. Practicing good hygiene helps to prevent infectious diseases that can also affect heart health. (Learn about hygiene).