CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES-CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. The causes and symptoms can vary depending on the type of cardiovascular disease, however, some common causes and symptoms are given below :-
Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases:-
- Atherosclerosis:
Ø Build-up of fatty
deposits (plaque) on the walls of arteries, which leads to narrowing and
hardening of the arteries.
Ø Contributes to heart
attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
- High
Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
Ø Can damage the heart
and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart failure, heart
attack, and stroke.
- Unhealthy
Diet:
Ø High in saturated
fats, cholesterol, and sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, high
cholesterol levels, and obesity, all of which are risk factors for CVDs.
- Physical
Inactivity:
Ø Lack of exercise can
lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and poor circulation, all of which
increase the risk of heart disease.
- Smoking:
Ø Smoking damages the
blood vessels and heart, and can lead to increased risk of heart attacks,
strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
- Excessive
Alcohol Consumption:
Ø Can raise blood
pressure, increase cholesterol levels, and contribute to irregular heartbeats,
leading to heart disease.
- Obesity:
Ø Excess body weight
puts extra strain on the heart and increases the likelihood of high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Diabetes:
Ø High blood sugar can
damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and
peripheral artery disease.
- Genetics
and Family History:
Ø A family history of
heart disease or stroke can increase the likelihood of developing
cardiovascular issues.
- Stress:
Ø Chronic stress can
contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy lifestyle choices like poor diet,
smoking, and physical inactivity, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases:
- Chest
Pain (Angina):
Ø A feeling of pressure
or tightness in the chest, often a symptom of coronary artery disease or a
heart attack.
- Shortness
of Breath:
Ø Trouble breathing,
especially with physical exertion or even at rest in severe cases.
- Fatigue:
Ø Unusual or persistent
tiredness can be a sign that the heart isn't pumping efficiently.
- Palpitations:
Ø Irregular or rapid
heartbeats can indicate arrhythmia, which may be related to heart disease.
- Swelling
(Edema):
Ø Swelling in the legs,
ankles, feet, or abdomen can be a sign of heart failure or poor circulation.
- Dizziness
or Lightheadedness:
Ø A sensation of
fainting or dizziness, which can occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced.
- Pain
in the Neck, Jaw, Back, or Stomach:
Ø Sometimes heart
attack symptoms are not confined to the chest but radiate to other areas of the
body.
- Nausea
or Vomiting:
Ø Often associated with
heart attack or severe heart disease, particularly in women.
- Coughing
or Wheezing:
Ø Persistent coughing
or wheezing may occur if fluid builds up in the lungs, often due to heart
failure.
- Cold
Sweats:
Ø Breaking out in a
cold sweat, especially when accompanied by chest pain, may indicate a heart
attack.
If any of these symptoms
arise, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, especially if
they’re sudden or severe. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly
reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.

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