Cardiovascular diseases are those that affect your heart health and these diseases are becoming one of the major causes of death in the current population. This is because of the changes that happened in modern lifestyles. Hence, it is important to have a comprehensive knowledge of cardiovascular diseases in general, the types of cardiovascular diseases, and their characteristics in general. Rather than treating such diseases once you get infected with them. It is always better to be cautious and take preventive measures to stay away from them. This article would help with such sensible heart health habits through detailed awareness and meticulously researched info regarding the same.
1. Heart attack
Heart attack is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases across the world. This happens when the blood flow to a heart muscle has been slowed down or completely blocked. This can happen due to a lot of different reasons. However, the deposition of fat and cholesterol can be one of the major causes of the same. Hence, it is always better to take care of your diet by including veggies, fruits, and food items with less fat and oil content. It is also important to stay away from food items that are high in calories, and that are processed and junk.
If you are someone who has the habit of consuming food items mostly from the outside, you may have an elevated risk of a heart attack. A heart attack may also occur if you have a genetics of the same. Hence, it is also important to be cautious by doing your routine checkups. While this deadly cardiovascular disease has been a cause of death only among the elderly a few decades back, now the scenario has changed and it has started to steal the lives of even the youngest of the population. Silent cardiac arrests are also a serious threat since it would be quite difficult to understand the symptoms and signs of the same.
2. Stroke
This can also be regarded as a cardiovascular disease even if it mainly affects the brain and the brain cells rather than the heart. This disease is primarily caused by a disruption in the blood flow to the cells in the brain. In some cases, the blood circulation to the brain may get stopped partially or completely on account of a variety of different reasons. When the blood supply gets disrupted, the brain cells would lack sufficient oxygen and they would begin to degenerate.
This condition can lead to partial damage or even death. Hence, the best thing you can do to treat this condition is to get the patient immediate medical help without causing any delay. Apart from that, it may also help in ensuring the maximum recovery of the patient without sliding into any unwanted medical complications.
If you see someone having a droopy face suddenly, without being able to smile properly or consume food items. This can probably be a sign of a stroke. An overall weakness felt in the body can also be a symptom of stroke. In such situations, the patient would be unable to lift their arms or show any voluntary physical efforts. Difficulty experienced in speech can also be considered a valid stroke symptom.
3. Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease is also known as peripheral vascular disease. Unlike the two cardiovascular diseases mentioned above, this is not a deadly disease. However, this disease can also be quite bothersome. If you fail to take the necessary preventive measures or timely treatments required for the same. Apart from that, it may also get worse over the course of time. If you are someone who belongs to old age or someone approaching the same, you are more likely to get infected with this disease. Hence make sure to understand the symptoms of this disease in detail so that you can ease the symptoms and avoid complications.
Peripheral arterial disease happens when the blood flow to the arteries of your limbs gets blocked. In this condition, pain can be experienced in the hips, calves, thighs, and regions associated with the limb. Sometimes, this can show up in the form of a cramp, and sometimes, in the form of a numbness. If you feel like the symptoms are worsening when you are engaging in any kind of physical activity involving the limb muscles. Then it is high time you consult an expert medical practitioner and get this condition treated.
4. Aortic disease
This is another cardiovascular disease that needs your due attention and care. Just like the name of the disease suggests. This disease infects to aorta, the largest blood vessel found in your body. In this case, the muscles of that blood vessel may get weak and an outward bulge can also be noticed. Apart from that, you may also experience pain in the regions like chest, tummy, and back.
5. Heart failure
Heart failure is not a medical emergency, unlike cardiac arrests or strokes. This can happen when the pumping capacity of the heart reduces significantly. The heart may be still pumping blood to different parts of the body. However, the amount of blood would not be sufficient enough for various physiological activities. You may experience symptoms such as lack of energy, chest pain, and lack of breath if you are infected with the same.
Conclusion
Now, you know the various types of cardiovascular diseases, their symptoms, and the precautions you should take in order to stay away from them. Apart from that, it is also important to give prompt medical help in case of medical emergencies such as stroke and cardiac arrests. It is also important to engage in low-intensity cardio workouts daily to make your heart healthy and happy for a longer period. Make sure that you quit unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol and alcoholic beverages once you are affected by any cardiovascular diseases. Even if you have not been infected with any of these. It is important to quit smoking to prevent such diseases in the future.
References
- Farley A, McLafferty E, Hendry C. The cardiovascular system. 2012 Oct 31-Nov 6Nurs Stand. 27(9):35-9. [PubMed]
- Fox CS, Pencina MJ, Wilson PW, Paynter NP, Vasan RS, D’Agostino RB. Lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with and without diabetes stratified by obesity status in the Framingham heart study. Diabetes Care. 2008 Aug;31(8):1582-4. [PMC free article]
