Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, are instances of cardiovascular illnesses which alter the structure or function of your heart. Aortic stenosis and Marfan syndrome are two diseases which affect the aorta. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a type of congenital cardiac defect
Cardiovascular disease
Any illness which affects the heart or blood vessels is referred to as “cardiovascular disease.”
It’s often associated with fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and a higher risk of blood clots.
It has also been linked to artery damage in organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
CVD is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK, however it may often be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) refer to a group of heart and blood vessel issues. They are as follows:
Coronary heart disease is a blood vessel illness that affects the heart muscle; cerebrovascular disease is a blood vessel disease that affects the brain.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the blood arteries that feed the arms and legs.
rheumatic heart disease — damage to the heart muscle and valves caused by streptococcal germs in rheumatic fever;
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are blood clots in the leg veins which can dislodge and travel to the heart and lungs; congenital heart disease – birth defects which affect the normal development and functioning of the heart caused by malformations of the heart structure from birth;
Types of CVD
CVD can come in a variety of forms. Four of the most popular varieties are listed below.
Coronary heart disease
Whenever the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is stopped or decreased, coronary heart disease develops.
It puts more strain on the heart, which might result in:
- Angina is a type of chest pain produced by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle.
- The blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly cut off during a heart attack.
Strokes and TIAs
A stroke occurs whenever a portion of the brain’s blood supply is cut off, resulting in brain damage and possibly death.
In a transient ischemic attack, the blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted (also referred as a TIA or “mini-stroke”).
The major symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be remembered using the acronym FAST, which stands for:
Face – One side of the person’s face may be drooping, they may be unable to smile, or their lips or eyes may be drooping.
Arms – due to arm weakness or numbness in one arm, the person may not be able to elevate both arms and keep them there.
Speech – they may slur or garble their words, or they may be unable to speak at all.
If you encounter any of these signs or symptoms, it’s vital to call 999 right away.
Aortic disease
Aortic illnesses refer to a set of ailments that affect the aorta. The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body, transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Aortic aneurysm is one of the most frequent aortic disorders, in which the aorta weakens and bulges outwards.
There are normally no symptoms, but it has the ability to burst and cause life-threatening haemorrhage.
Causes of CVD
Although the specific cause of CVD is uncertain, there are a number of factors which can raise your chances of having it. These are referred to as “risk factors.”
The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop cardiovascular disease.
Your GP will invite you for an NHS Health Check every 5 years when you’re over 40.
This review involves measuring your particular CVD risk and, whenever necessary, advising you on how to lower it.
cardiovascular kidney issues
You are more likely to get heart disease if you have kidney disease. The most common cause of mortality among patients with kidney disease is heart disease. Kidney disease occurs whenever the kidneys get damaged and are unable to filter blood as effectively as they should. Wastes might build up in the body as a result of this harm.
What are the 4 most common cardiovascular diseases?
Heart Attack
In the United States, a heart attack, also referred as a myocardial infarction, is usually at the top of the list of cardiovascular disorders, both statistically and anecdotally. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. While heart attacks are frequently depicted in TV shows and movies, the external reactions do not reveal what is going on inside the body.
Whenever the heart muscle is deprived of the oxygen it needs to function, a heart attack develops. This occurs when the blood flow carrying oxygen has been substantially decreased or has completely stopped. This is related to atherosclerosis, or the gradual accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries, that comprises fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals. Blood clots can form around the plaque, slowing or stopping blood flow and resulting in a heart attack.
Stroke
Since the condition focuses around blood flow, stroke is classified as a heart ailment. A stroke, on the other hand, is caused by a disruption in blood flow to the brain instead of the heart. Ischemic strokes comprise 87 percent of all strokes and are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain with blood and oxygen.
Heart Failure
Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should. As the name implies, it does not mean the heart has completely ceased beating. The heart continues to pump blood, but at a rate that is insufficient for the body to function. Untreated heart failure can cause weariness and shortness of breath, which can make routine activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult.
Arrhythmia
Any aberrant cardiac rhythm, such as one that is too slow, too rapid, or has an irregular beat or tempo, is referred to as a heart arrhythmia. The heart doesn’t work as well if it doesn’t have a good rhythm. It’s possible that the heart won’t be able to pump enough blood to get oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) is a terminology which refers to a set of diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels. One or more components of your heart and/or blood arteries may be affected by these disorders. A person can be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not experiencing the condition) (not feel anything at all).