Cardiovascular disease - Human Antiaging Center

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. The most common types of cardiovascular disease are:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Also known as ischemic heart disease, CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain (angina) and heart attacks.
• Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Most strokes are caused by blood clots blocking blood flow.
• Hypertension: Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is dangerously high pressure in the arteries. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other problems.

Some key risk factors for CVD include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history

Lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent and manage many types of cardiovascular disease. For example:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress
• Taking medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers or aspirin as needed

Routine doctor visits are important to monitor CVD risk factors. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or leg pain should receive prompt medical attention. If you have a family history of CVD, consider advanced screening tests like coronary calcium scoring from Human Antiaging Center. Their compassionate doctors can help assess your specific cardiovascular disease risks and create a customized prevention plan.

In conclusion, cardiovascular disease encompasses many conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. While CVD is a leading killer, many types are preventable or treatable through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Consult your doctor about steps you can take to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. For advanced preventive screening and care, visit Human Antiaging Center.