Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of death all over the world. Millions of people die every year due to heart attacks and stroke. Lack of physical activities, unhealthy diet, tobacco use, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, diabetes and family history are the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Most of the premature deaths from these diseases can be avoided, if people are aware of the types of the cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and preventative measures.
7 Types Of Cardiovascular Diseases You Need To Know
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is a condition caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and blood to heart muscles. Fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood cause plaque. Plaque becomes harder overtime, narrowing your coronary arteries and limiting the flow of blood to heart muscles. The area of plaque can rupture and a blood clot can be formed on its surface. If the clot becomes large, it blocks blood flow through the artery completely. This in turn causes chest pain and heart attack. If treatment is not available immediately, heart attack can cause death.
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a birth defect and is one of the main reasons for deaths in infants less than one year. Though there are no specific cause for this condition, diabetic mother, family history of this disease, toxoplasmosis, an infection transmitted through contact with cat feces and use of some drugs (prescription or over the counter) during pregnancy, intake of cocaine during pregnancy and HIV infection in the mother may contribute to the development of congenital heart disease.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease is a condition affecting blood circulation to the brain and causing very low or no blood flow to the affected areas. High cholesterol and inflammation in the arteries cause cholesterol buildup in the vessel in the form of plaque. The block obstructs blood flow to the brain, causing dementia or stroke.
Hypertension
Hypertension or elevated blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increased. As the blood pressure is too high, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood. This can damage the heart and result in heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to head, organs and limbs causes peripheral artery disease. Overtime, plaque buildup can limit or block the blood flow to the organs. Peripheral artery diseases increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease as well.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever and it can damage heart valves permanently. Fatigue, chest pain, breathlessness and palpitations are the common symptoms of this heart disease. If left untreated, the valve damage can cause heart failure.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. It is a progressive disorder that causes damage to the heart and weakens the cardiovascular system.
Understanding the types of cardiovascular diseases, their causes and symptoms can help you prevent yourself from them. Proper diet, exercises, quitting smoking and keeping diabetes and blood pressure in control are some of the best ways to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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