4 most common types of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most dangerous types of disease, as it affects the most important organ in your body: your heart. Cardiovascular disease is defined as a class of diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. The term cardiovascular diseases usually refers to arterial disease, but technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system.
Most of these diseases have similar causes, as well as similar treatments. Frighteningly, vascular injury is said to accumulate from adolescence and, therefore, requires preventative measures to be taken from childhood. There are medical doctors that specialize in such diseases, usually cardiologists, cardiologist surgeons, neurologist, and some radiologists. The demand for such specialists continue to grow, as most countries face an increase of an already high rate of cardiovascular disease. In scope, heart diseases kill more Americans annually than cancer. Heart diseases are also the number one cause of death and disability in both the United States and most European countries.
Diseases in general can be a very devastating thing for both the diseased individual and the people close to him or her who have to cope with it. Diseases can be temporary, but many diseases are also terminal and incurable. Heart disease, with its high mortality rate and unpredictability, is no different. Many times a diagnosed heart disease is found late in its progression, with its problems having progressed for decades. It is important to promote risk prevention efforts of heart disease such as eating healthily, exercising often, and avoiding smoking.
There are certain heart diseases that are more common than others. The rest of this article with highlight the 4 most common types of cardiovascular disease:
1. High Blood Pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is an increased pressure in the arteries. The increased pressure of blood pushing against vessel walls can cause hardened arteries, heart failure, stroke or heart attack. The problem with high blood pressure is that it is a heart disease that is difficult to diagnose, as there are no symptoms or known causes.
2. Heart Attacks
A heart attack is one of the scariest things that can happen to a human being. In a heart attack, the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If there is no blood flowing to a certain section of the heart, the section will begin to die. This is extremely dangerous. If you feel any of the warning signs of a heart attack, it is imperative that you call for emergency help immediately. Some of these warning signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or lightheadedness.
3. Heart Failure
Heart failure causes the heart to have problems pumping blood. Common symptoms include fatigue, swelling in feet, and dizziness. The lack of oxygen and blood being transferred to your body can cause these symptoms. Heart failure can lead to more dangerous forms of cardiovascular disease, so see a doctor as soon as possible if you believe you suffer from heart failure.
4. Stroke
If the brain does not receive the oxygen it needs to function, you may experience a stroke. The brain fails to function and, therefore, your body will also fail to function. This can happen through the clogging or rupturing of a blood vessel that supplies blood and oxygen to your brain.