CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE [ CVD]
Cardiovascular disease CVD is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.
CVD is one of main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
TYPES OF CVD DISEASE
There are many different types of CVD. 4 of the main types are described this page.
- Angina– chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Heart attacks-where the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked.
- Heart failure-where the heart is unable to pump blood around t6he body properly
CAUSES OF CVD DISEASE
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for CVD. If it is too high, it can damage the blood vessels.
SMOKING
Smoking and other tobacco use is also a significant risk factor for CVD. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow your blood vessels.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. If you have high cholesterol, it can cause your blood vessels to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar level to become too high. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, making them more likely to become narrowed. Many people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese, which is also a risk factor for Cardiovascular disease.
INACTIVITY
If you don’t exercise regularly, it’s more likely that you’ll have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and be overweight. All of theseare risk factors for CVD.
OTHER RISK FACTORS
- Other factors that affect your risk of developing CVD INCLUDE;
- AGE-Cardiovascular disease is must common in people over 50 and your risk of developing it increases as you get older.
- GENDER-Men are more likely to develop CVD at an earlier age than women
- DIET-An unhealthy diet can laaead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure
- ALCOHOL-Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and contribute to weight gain.
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Reference: WIKIPEDIA