Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels.

Cells require both oxygen and fuel (glucose, among others) to work properly and stay alive. The blood flow to the body part carries oxygen and fuel to the cells. Blood flow can be reduced because of hardening and constrictions caused by fatty deposits inside the artery wall (atherosclerosis) or occlusions caused by blood clots (thrombosis). The lack of oxygen and fuel behind the constriction disables cells from working as required, and they may even die. There are many different types of CVD.

Hypertension

happens when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is too high. It is diagnosed when the pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher. Hypertension is common, but people with high blood pressure may not feel any symptoms.

High blood pressure can lead to other serious problems such as arteriosclerosis, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. When detected, hypertension can be effectively treated. Sometimes, lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity, reduction of excess body weight, lower salt consumption, or better stress management, can be sufficient to normalize high blood pressure. If necessary, medication can help control pressure and avoid hypertension-related damage.

Coronary heart disease

occurs when the flow of blood to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. This puts an increased strain on the heart and can lead to:

Angina – a feeling of chest pain, of chest narrowness (“as if an elephant is sitting on my chest”), and of breathlessness caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart attack –when the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, angina symptoms don´t stop when emergency medication is taken or when the person stops activities and sits down for a rest. If the occluded artery can´t be reopened with fast treatment, the heart muscle part dies. This is called a myocardial infarction.

Heart failure – the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood around the body, which impairs all organ functions. The pressure in the venous system gets so high that liquid leaks from the veins to the surrounding tissue. “Water” in the legs can be seen by swellings, and “water” in the lungs results in shortness of breath.

Stroke

occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, which can cause brain damage and possibly death. Affected person may be unable to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped. They may not be able to lift both arms because of arm weakness or numbness in one arm. In addition, they may have difficulty speaking or understanding what is said.

Peripheral arterial disease

occurs when there’s a blockage in the arteries to the limbs, usually the legs. This can cause numbness, weakness, or cramping leg pain, which is worse when walking and gets better with rest. In addition, sores on the feet and legs heal slowly or even stay open.

Aortic diseases

are a group of conditions affecting the aorta, the largest artery in the body, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. One of the most common aortic diseases is an aortic aneurysm, where the aorta becomes weakened and bulges outward. While this doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, there’s a chance it could burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.