Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a condition that involves the heart or blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease (blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart), stroke (impaired blood flow to the brain), peripheral vascular disease (impaired blood flow to other parts of the body), and congenital heart disease (abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present from birth).
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, with major risk factors including smoking, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms of CVD can vary depending on the type, but common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or fainting.
CVD is dangerous because it can cause serious complications such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or sudden death. Therefore, early detection and management of risk factors is essential to prevent CVD. Health tests such as blood pressure checks, blood tests for cholesterol and blood sugar, and electrocardiograms (EKG) can help in early detection of CVD.
It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent CVD, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing stress, and having regular health check-ups. Consult a doctor or medical professional for your personal risk assessment and appropriate preventive measures.
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