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:-

  1. 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.

  1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

Ø  Can damage the heart and blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Smoking:

Ø  Smoking damages the blood vessels and heart, and can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

  1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption:

Ø  Can raise blood pressure, increase cholesterol levels, and contribute to irregular heartbeats, leading to heart disease.

  1. Obesity:

Ø  Excess body weight puts extra strain on the heart and increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

  1. Diabetes:

Ø  High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

  1. Genetics and Family History:

Ø  A family history of heart disease or stroke can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues.

  1. 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:

  1. Chest Pain (Angina):

Ø  A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, often a symptom of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.

  1. Shortness of Breath:

Ø  Trouble breathing, especially with physical exertion or even at rest in severe cases.

  1. Fatigue:

Ø  Unusual or persistent tiredness can be a sign that the heart isn't pumping efficiently.

  1. Palpitations:

Ø  Irregular or rapid heartbeats can indicate arrhythmia, which may be related to heart disease.

  1. Swelling (Edema):

Ø  Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen can be a sign of heart failure or poor circulation.

  1. Dizziness or Lightheadedness:

Ø  A sensation of fainting or dizziness, which can occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced.

  1. 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.

  1. Nausea or Vomiting:

Ø  Often associated with heart attack or severe heart disease, particularly in women.

  1. Coughing or Wheezing:

Ø  Persistent coughing or wheezing may occur if fluid builds up in the lungs, often due to heart failure.

  1. 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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