Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term covering diseases which impact the circulatory system, including:
Some major risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption, stress, and family history. Atherosclerosis, in which fatty material builds up inside arteries, underlies most CVD.
CVD is extremely common and a leading global cause of death. In 2020, approximately 18.6 million deaths worldwide were attributed to CVD, accounting for nearly a third of all global deaths that year. However, lifestyle modification and medications can prevent CVD and help manage existing disease in many people.
Depending on the specific type of CVD, various signs and symptoms may be experienced. General symptoms possibly indicating CVD include:
If you experience concerning cardiovascular symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, as this can improve outcomes in serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The knowledgeable physicians at Renew Medical HRT Clinic provide compassionate consultations and advice for patients worried about cardiovascular health.
To diagnose CVD, doctors consider symptoms, medical history, family history, physical examination findings and results of tests like EKGs, exercise stress testing, echocardiography and angiograms.
CVD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing risk factors, and preventing progression or complications of the disease. Lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercising more, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol help many patients substantially. Medications for managing blood pressure, cholesterol levels or heart failure may also be prescribed. Procedures like stenting blocked arteries or coronary bypass surgery could be required in severe heart disease cases unresponsive to other therapies.
While living with CVD poses challenges, patients who make positive lifestyle modifications, adhere to treatment regimens, and attend regular doctor visits often enjoy enhanced quality of life for many years. At Renew Medical HRT Clinic, their empathetic medical team supports those struggling with heart disease through every stage of their health journey.