Types of Cardiovascular disease

There are a wide variety of conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular conditions include:

• Coronary artery disease

• Arrhythmia

• Atherosclerosis

• Atrial fibrillation

• Cardiomyopathy

• Heart attack

• Heart infections

• Congenital heart defect

• Peripheral artery disease

• Stroke

• Angina

• Valve damage

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the specific type. With some forms of cardiovascular disease, there may be no symptoms present at all, until life-threatening complications develop.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

There are several risk factors that may contribute to the development of any form of cardiovascular disease. The risk of cardiovascular disease may increase in people who have:

• High blood pressure

• A close relative with heart disease

• A high LDL cholesterol level

• High triglycerides

• A congenital heart defect

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• A sedentary lifestyle

People who smoke or are obese are also at risk for developing a cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests

• Exercise stress test

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Chest X-ray

In some cases, a coronary angiogram may also be performed. A coronary angiogram is minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps to determine if any coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.

Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

Treatment for cardiovascular disease varies, depending on the specific diagnosis. Conservative treatments may include lifestyle and dietary changes and medical monitoring. Treatment for more severe cardiovascular disease conditions may include medications and surgery. Cardiovascular disease is often treated with an individualized treatment plan that best fits the individual case of cardiovascular disease, a person's life style and other factors.

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

While not all cases of cardiovascular disease can be prevented, there are steps that can be taken that can reduce the risks. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to keep the heart and arteries functioning properly and the following recommendations may also help to prevent cardiovascular disease:

• Quit smoking

• Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

• Exercise regularly

• Eat a low-fat diet

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Reduce and manage stress

Quitting smoking drastically lowers the risk of heart disease, no matter the length of time the patient has smoked. Balancing exercise with diet can be even more effective in staying healthy and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Disease FAQs

The heart is a muscle that pumps oxygenated blood from the arteries throughout the body. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart. These fatty substances, such as cholesterol, fat or cells that collect along the lining of the coronary arteries are called plaque. Most of the plaque build-up, either in the heart or the blood vessels, develops over the course of time. Because the arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, any blockage left untreated can result in the risk of the patient experiencing a heart attack, stroke or even death.

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

The patients most likely to develop heart disease have the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure

• A close relative with heart disease

• High LDL cholesterol level

• High triglycerides

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Kidney disease

• Overweight

• Lack of regular exercise

How is heart disease diagnosed?

If a patient has risk factors that would cause them to develop heart disease or if they have already experienced symptoms, the doctor may recommend the following tests:

• Exercise stress test

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Chest X-ray

• Blood tests

The results of these tests may indicate the need for further testing.

How can I lower my cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a substance that is found in the bloodstream and body cells. It does serve a purpose, but too much cholesterol in a patients system is not healthy. It can also be a risk factor for heart disease.

The liver is responsible for producing the cholesterol that is made in the body. Cholesterol is also found in the foods that come from animal sources. This includes meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. Patients can lower their cholesterol by eating more fish, fruits, vegetables and grains. They can also lower their cholesterol by reducing the level of fats in their dairy products and choosing leaner cuts of meat. Adopting an exercise program, which has been shown to help increase levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, and losing excess weight will also help to lower cholesterol levels.

How can I prevent or slow the progression of heart disease?

Patients can help prevent or slow down the advancement of heart disease by adhering to the following regimen:

• Quitting Smoking

• Lowering your blood pressure

• Eating a healthy diet

• Exercising on a regular basis

• Getting regular medical check-ups