Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. CVD is the leading cause of death globally and can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors like smoking, poor diet, obesity, and alcohol use. Long-term stress can increase risk of CVD by raising blood pressure and cholesterol over time. Building social support systems and engaging in regular exercise can help manage stress levels and reduce CVD risk.
2. Cardiovascular disease is the term
for all types of diseases that affect
the heart or blood vessels, including
coronary heart disease (clogged
arteries), which can cause heart
attacks, stroke, congenital heart
defects and peripheral
artery disease.
3. The term cardiovascular disease is broad and a bit vague. Its definition
encompasses heart disease and much more.
The word itself can be broken down into two parts. "Cardio" refers to
the heart, and "vascular" refers to all the blood vessels in the body. In
comparison, heart disease is more specific and refers only to diseases of
the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve
abnormalities, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiovascular disease therefore includes all the heart conditions, but
also covers high blood pressure and narrowing of arteries supplying
blood to other body parts and organs.
4. Key facts
CVDs are the number 1 cause of death globally: more people
die annually from CVDs than from any other cause.
Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and
middle-income countries.
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by
addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use,
unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful
use of alcohol using population-wide strategies.
People with cardiovascular disease or who are at high
cardiovascular risk (due to the presence of one or more risk
factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia or
already established disease) need early detection and
management using counselling and medicines, as
appropriate.
5. What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the
heart and blood vessels and they include:
1.coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels
supplying the heart muscle;
2.cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels
supplying the brain;
6. 3.peripheral arterial disease – disease
of blood vessels supplying the arms and
legs;
4.rheumatic heart disease – damage to
the heart muscle and heart valves from
rheumatic fever, caused by
streptococcal bacteria;
7. 5.congenital heart disease – malformations of
heart structure existing at birth;
6.deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary
embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which
can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs.
8. What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke
are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of
alcohol. The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in
individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood
lipids, and overweight and obesity. These “intermediate risks factors”
can be measured in primary care facilities and indicate an increased risk
of developing a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other
complications.
9. There are also a number of underlying determinants of CVDs
or "the causes of the causes". These are a reflection of the
major forces driving social, economic and cultural change –
globalization, urbanization and population ageing. Other
determinants of CVDs include poverty, stress and hereditary
factors.
10. Signs and symptoms can include:
Chest pain,
chest tightness,
chest pressure and
chest discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
11. Pain, numbness,
weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood
vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery
disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or
heart failure. Cardiovascular disease can sometimes
be found early with regular evaluations.
12. Psychosocial causes of Cardiovascular disorder:
It is well established that psychosocial factors are
associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low
socioeconomic status, lack of social support, stress at
work and in family life, anxiety disorders and
depression have all been shown to increase risk of
developing CVD. These factors are also associated
with poor outcomes among patients with established
CVD.
13. Stress is a normal part of life. Stress can come from physical
causes like not getting enough sleep or having an illness.
Our body’s response to stress is supposed to protect you. But,
if it's constant, it can harm you. The hormone cortisol is
released in response to stress. Studies suggest that the high
levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood
cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
These are common risk factors for heart disease. This stress
can also cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque
deposits in the arteries.
14. Even minor stress can trigger heart problems like poor blood
flow to the heart muscle. This is a condition in which the
heart doesn't get enough blood or oxygen. And, long-term
stress can affect how the blood clots. This makes the blood
stickier and increases the risk of stroke.
In addition, people who have a lot of stress may smoke or
choose other unhealthy ways to deal with stress.
Common responses to stress include:
Aches and pains
Decreased energy and sleep
Feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression
Impatience
Forgetfulness
15. Preventive Measures:
1.Get plenty of exercise
Exercise can help counteract the harmful effects of stress.
For heart health, aim for at least 30 to 40 minutes, 4 to 5
days a week. Exercise can help to improve cardiovascular
health by controlling weight, improving cholesterol , and
lowering blood pressure. Their blood pressure and heart
rates don't go up as high as people under stress who don't
exercise.
Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of depression,
another risk factor for heart disease.
16. 2.Build a strong support system:
Research suggests that having a strong support network like
being married, having someone you can talk to and trust, or
belonging to organizations or a religion can reduce your
stress level and your risk of heart disease.
If you already have heart disease, this same network can
help reduce your risk for heart attack. Having at least one
person you can rely on takes a heavy burden off you and
provides comfort.
A strong support system helps you take better care of
yourself, too. Research shows that a lack of social support
increases the chance of engaging in unhealthy behaviors like
smoking, eating a high-fat diet, and drinking too much
alcohol.
17. 3.Seek treatment for constant depression or anxiety
Depression and anxiety can increase your risk of dying from
heart disease, if you already have it.
Research suggests that long-term anxiety or emotional stress
can increase the risk for sudden cardiac death. To reduce your
anxiety level, try activities that reduce stress like yoga,
walking meditation, traditional meditation, guided imagery, or
other methods. Look for classes in your area. Alcohol,
tobacco, and caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and
increase your stress and blood pressure. Cutting back or
quitting these substances may help decrease your anxiety and
stress. Talk with your provider if you have feelings of
depression or anxiety and ask about medicines that can help.
18. Cessation of tobacco use,
reduction of salt in the diet,
consuming fruits and vegetables,
regular physical activity
and avoiding harmful use of alcohol
have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease. In addition, drug treatment of diabetes,
hypertension and high blood lipids may be necessary
to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart
attacks and strokes. Health policies that create
conducive environments for making healthy choices
affordable and available are essential for motivating
people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviour.
