Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term that describes a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It remains one of the most significant global health concerns, responsible for nearly 20.5 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). About 85% of these deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes.
While people often associate CVD with heart attacks alone, the term encompasses various diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, among others. These conditions can often be prevented or managed by addressing risk factors such as poor lifestyle choices, family history, and pre-existing health conditions. Keep reading to learn about what heart disease is, its types, main causes and key symptoms to recognize and take immediate action.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to disorders that involve either the heart or the blood vessels. The heart and blood vessels work together to circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. When this system malfunctions due to blockages, weakened heart muscles, or damaged vessels, serious health risks arise. CVD is also a leading cause of death globally.
There are many types of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias. Each type has different causes, symptoms, and treatments, but they share common risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Cardiovascular disease affects both men and women, but certain risk factors like diabetes and stress may affect genders differently.
What Are The 5 Major Types of Cardiovascular Disease?
Heart disease can manifest in various forms, each with unique symptoms and risk factors. Some common types include coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems. Following are some of these types to understand what causes heart disease and their impact on overall cardiovascular health:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
One of the most common types is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also known as ischemic heart disease. CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. These blockages reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, leading to symptoms like chest pain (angina) and, in severe cases, heart attacks.
Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle if left untreated. As a result, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to heart failure. Angioplasty and stenting are commonly performed to treat CAD.
- Heart Failure
Heart failure is another major type of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Heart failure can develop after a heart attack or as a result of chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. It can affect either the left or right side of the heart or both, and each has unique symptoms and implications.
While the term “heart failure” sounds concerning, it doesn’t mean the heart stops working entirely. Instead, it means that the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles, and fatigue, particularly during physical activity. If not treated on time, heart failure worsens over time and can lead to other health complications, such as kidney damage.
- Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, are another type of cardiovascular disease. These occur when the electrical impulses that control heartbeats are disrupted. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Specific types of arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, which can lead to blood clots and strokes, and ventricular tachycardia, which can be life-threatening and may cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Although some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase the risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. People with arrhythmias often report feeling palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, arrhythmias can also lead to heart failure.
- Stroke
While often thought of as a brain condition, stroke is also a form of cardiovascular disease. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, often due to a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells start to die, leading to long-term disability or death. There are two main types of stroke. One is Ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blocked artery. Another is hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a burst blood vessel.
Common symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination. To help recognize these symptoms, remember the acronym FAST:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
Immediate medical attention is critical to minimize brain damage.
- Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves fail to open or close properly, which disrupts normal blood flow. This can result in valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).
Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and leg swelling. If untreated, valve dysfunction can lead to heart failure or other serious complications. Some of the common treatments include valve repair or replacement.
What Causes Cardiovascular Disease?
The causes of cardiovascular diseases vary depending on the type, but many stem from a combination of lifestyle choices, genetic factors, and other health conditions. Some of the major causes resulting in cardiovascular disease are discussed as follows:
- High Cholesterol
One of the most common causes is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is formed due to the deposition of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. With time, this buildup narrows the arteries and restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other organs. This process can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues.
- Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors hugely contribute to cardiovascular disease development. Smoking, for example, damages the blood vessels and accelerates the buildup of plaque, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A poor diet that’s high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and salt can also contribute to the development of heart disease. Foods like processed snacks, fried foods, and sugary drinks are major contributors to this unhealthy diet. Eating too many of these can raise cholesterol levels and increase blood pressure.
Lack of exercise is another risk factor. Physical activity helps to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. Therefore, people who are sedentary are at greater risk of obesity, which is a major contributor to heart disease and diabetes.
- Diabetes
Other health conditions also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, particularly type 2, is a significant risk factor because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, leading to coronary artery disease and other heart problems.
- Hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) is another major risk factor and is often called the “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. When blood pressure is too high, the walls of the arteries can become damaged, leading to blockages and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Read More: Hyperventilation: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Heart problem symptoms depend on the type of condition, but many signs are related to the reduced flow of oxygenated blood to vital organs like the heart, brain, or muscles. Some of the key signs and symptoms directed towards any heart-related conditions are as follows:
- Chest Pain (Angina)
Chest pain, also known as angina, is a common symptom of coronary artery disease. It often feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. The pain may also radiate to the arms, neck, or back, particularly during physical exertion or emotional stress.
There are two types of angina: stable and unstable. Stable angina occurs during physical exertion or stress and usually goes away with rest. In contrast, unstable angina can happen at rest or with less effort and may last longer, indicating a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Shortness of breath is another typical symptom of heart disease, particularly heart failure. As the heart becomes less effective at pumping blood, fluid can build up in the lungs. This results in difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or during physical activities.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is also a common symptom, especially in people with heart failure or arrhythmias. When the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen, the person feels constant tiredness, even with minimal exertion.
- Swelling in the Legs
Swelling in the legs, particularly around the ankles or feet, is a sign that the heart is not pumping blood effectively. This inefficiency causes blood to back up and fluid accumulation in tissues. This condition is often seen in people with heart failure and is known as edema.
- Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
An irregular heartbeat, or palpitations, occurs when the heart beats abnormally, either too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. This can feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. Palpitations are often linked to arrhythmias, which can result from underlying heart disease, stress, caffeine, and other triggers.
Effective Treatments For Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart disease treatment varies depending on the specific condition and its severity. However, many treatments aim to reduce the risk of future complications, improve heart function, and alleviate symptoms.
- Medications
Medications are often prescribed to manage cardiovascular disease. For instance, people with high blood pressure may be prescribed beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to help lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. In addition, diuretics are given for heart failure as they help reduce fluid buildup.
Statins are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in people with coronary artery disease, while blood thinners can help reduce the risk of clots and strokes in people with arrhythmias. Medications may also be used to manage symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Surgical Procedures
In severe cases of cardiovascular disease, when medications and lifestyle changes are not enough, surgical interventions may be required. These procedures aim to restore proper blood flow, repair heart damage, or regulate abnormal heart rhythms. This will improve heart function and reduce future complications.
- Angioplasty and Stents
Angioplasty is a procedure that opens blocked arteries by inserting a small balloon to widen them. A stent, a tiny mesh tube, is often placed to keep the artery open. This results in improved blood flow to the heart. This procedure is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease and prevent heart attacks.
- Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), creates a new route for blood to flow around a blocked artery. Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to redirect blood flow to the heart. This improves oxygen supply and reduces chest pain and the risk of heart attack.
- Pacemakers
Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest to control abnormal heart rhythms, such as arrhythmias. The device sends electrical pulses to help the heart maintain a steady, regular beat. It monitors heart rhythms and alerts doctors to any issues, improving patient management. Thus, pacemakers are required for people with slow heartbeats or those at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Read More: What is Tachycardia: Symptoms, Reasons & Remedies
Prevention Tips for Cardiovascular Health
The most effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases is through prevention. Simple lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, along with routine medical checkups, can significantly lower the risk and improve heart health.
- Healthy Diet
A heart-friendly diet contains minimum saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. It also consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Salt and sugar levels must be kept at a minimum.
Consider following the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes healthy fats from olive oil, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry. Another great option is the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which focuses on whole foods, low sodium intake, and a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support heart health. Adopting either of these diets can significantly benefit your cardiovascular well-being.
- Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity maintains heart health and helps maintain weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. You must find at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as a walk, five days a week. Incorporating strength training exercises at least two days a week is also beneficial, as it helps build muscle and boosts metabolism. Being active also decreases the chance of heart disease and enhances general health care.
- Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is probably one of the easiest ways to keep your heart safe. Smoking damages your blood vessels and predisposes you to heart disease and stroke. Within a year of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half compared to that of a smoker and overall heart health improves within the first year.
- Maintenance Check-ups
Regular health checkups help monitor the heart’s activity. A doctor can check for problematic levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which can be diagnosed and treated early, thus avoiding significant cardiovascular disease.
Take Steps Towards a Healthier Heart!
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the biggest health issues today, affecting millions of people worldwide. Knowing what heart disease is and its causes will enable you to make all the necessary changes to reduce your risk. Be well aware of coronary artery disease symptoms, as well as other heart problems, so that you may visit your medical doctor in time. In addition, you can make lifestyle changes and control the risk factors that harm the cardiovascular system.
You can also enroll in some courses that might range from basic to advanced training in life support if you want proper preparation. Being certified can give you confidence to save a life if you respond immediately in case of emergencies.
