Cardiovascular Disease
Disorders of the heart and blood vessels
Quick Facts
- Type: Heart and circulatory condition
- Includes: Coronary disease, stroke, heart failure
- Main driver: Atherosclerosis (artery narrowing)
- Key levers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes
Overview
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, and disease of the arteries to the limbs and other organs.
Many forms of cardiovascular disease share a common underlying process called atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up inside artery walls and gradually narrow them. This restricts blood flow and can trigger clots. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, but a large share of it is preventable through lifestyle changes and treatment of risk factors.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely depending on which part of the system is affected:
- Coronary disease: Chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
- Heart attack: Chest pressure spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw, with sweating, nausea, or breathlessness.
- Stroke: Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, slurred speech, or vision loss.
- Heart failure: Fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling of the legs and ankles.
- Arrhythmia: Palpitations, fluttering, or a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Some people, particularly those with diabetes, may have few or atypical symptoms. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, or stroke-like symptoms are emergencies.
Causes
Cardiovascular disease usually develops over years as the result of damage to blood vessels and the heart. Key contributors include:
- Atherosclerosis: Cholesterol and other substances build up in artery walls, narrowing them and promoting clots.
- High blood pressure: Strains the heart and damages artery walls.
- Diabetes and high cholesterol: Accelerate artery damage.
- Smoking: Injures vessels and raises clot risk.
Some heart conditions are present from birth (congenital) or result from infections, while others stem from problems with the heart muscle or valves.
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes and obesity
- Physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Older age and a family history of heart disease
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
Diagnosis
Evaluation combines risk assessment with targeted testing:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests to gauge risk.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram and stress testing: Assess heart function and blood flow during exertion.
- Imaging: Coronary angiography, CT, or MRI to view arteries and the heart.
Treatment
Treatment combines lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes procedures:
- Lifestyle: A heart-healthy diet, regular activity, quitting smoking, and weight management are the foundation.
- Medications: Drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, control blood sugar, prevent clots, and manage rhythm or heart failure.
- Procedures: Angioplasty and stents to open blocked arteries, or bypass surgery for severe disease.
- Cardiac rehabilitation: A supervised program of exercise and education after a heart event.
Managing underlying conditions and taking medicines as prescribed greatly reduces the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
Prevention
- Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Be physically active most days of the week
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in healthy ranges
- Maintain a healthy weight and limit alcohol
- Have regular check-ups to catch risk factors early
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for ongoing chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, or swelling, and to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Call emergency services immediately for:
- Chest pain or pressure, especially spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw
- Sudden severe shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness, numbness, facial drooping, or slurred speech (signs of stroke)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Many forms share atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, as a common cause.
Can cardiovascular disease be prevented?
A large proportion can be prevented or delayed by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control.
What are the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke?
Heart attack signs include chest pressure or pain spreading to the arm or jaw with sweating or breathlessness. Stroke signs include sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or vision loss. Both are emergencies, so call emergency services right away.
What are the biggest risk factors?
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease are the most important. Many of these can be improved with lifestyle changes and treatment.
Is chest pain always a heart attack?
No. Chest pain has many causes, some harmless. However, because it can signal a heart attack, sudden or severe chest pain, especially with breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, should be treated as an emergency.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart Disease.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Heart and Vascular Diseases.
- American Heart Association. Cardiovascular conditions.