Cardiovascular disease, a term used to describe several diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, is a global health concern. Affecting a majority of the older population and women, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in India. The rate of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases has only skyrocketed over the years. Many places have an ambulance on site to provide quick aid to those in cardiac emergencies. Some common types of cardiovascular disease are coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, arrhythmia, aortic disease, valve disease, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.
Cardiovascular diseases are common. However, many people need to be made aware of the symptoms and risk factors and how to get a cardiovascular disease treated. A stroke or a heart attack can occur at any time, and it is essential to recognize its signs and symptoms so that the medical emergency can be managed efficiently. Since a large portion of the older population spends a huge percentage of their time at their workplaces, most offices have a medical room to provide immediate aid during medical emergencies. In the absence of such a facility, knowing how to manage such a situation can be helpful.
In this comprehensive blog, you will understand the various common symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, their high-risk factors, and the different treatment methods. Understand the occurrence of a cardiovascular disease today and learn to manage it better.
What are the common symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?
The symptoms of cardiovascular diseases aren’t the same for each condition. However, there are some symptoms that are common in all kinds of cardiovascular diseases. Let us learn about some typical ones.
Firstly a cardiovascular disease may present as chest pain or slight discomfort, indicating angina. People usually complain of a feeling of burn or heaviness in the chest. Sometimes, this accompanies fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, palpitations and also dizziness and lightheadedness.
Secondly, the different types of cardiovascular disease may cause pain in other parts of the body like arms, neck, jaw, back, or even stomach. If there is pain on the left side of the body, then it is a clear indication of angina. Other symptoms of cardiovascular disease include weakness, speech and vision troubles, confusion, and trouble in understanding and comprehending things. Swelling caused by fluid retention is also a symptom of the types of cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors
High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
High blood pressure can put a lot of tension on the heart and increase its workload, causing damage to the arteries. Hypertension can cause types of cardiovascular disease, causing effects like heart attack and stroke.
Atherosclerosis or Blockages in the arteries
Atherosclerosis is when plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries, causing blockage by hardening it and reducing the flow of blood. Blood flow restricted to the organs can cause damage to their normal functioning. The buildup of plaque is gradual.
High Blood Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis by the buildup of plaque and thereby increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is usually used as a treatment for cancer. However, continuous exposure can damage the tissues and organs. People who undergo radiation therapy stand at a high risk in the future of developing cardiovascular disease.
Smoking
The after-effects of smoking are plenty. Smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure and can damage the blood vessels. It also promotes the formation of clots. All of these damaging effects also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Poor Sleep Hygiene
Poor sleep quality, disrupted sleep, and sleep deprivation can cause harm to the body’s physiological functioning by raising blood pressure levels, causing inflammation, and impeding proper metabolism.
How is cardiovascular disease treated?
Lifestyle Changes
One of the best ways to get a cardiovascular disease treated is by making changes in one’s lifestyle choices. This can be done by eating a healthy and balanced diet, particularly a heart healthy diet. Another way to make healthy lifestyle choices is by maintaining a proper sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding habits that disrupt your mental health and well-being.
Medications
A number of medications are available in the market for cardiovascular disease treated. Usually, when a person is diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, they are advised to use a combination of medications and lifestyle changes as a treatment option. Medications for different cardiovascular diseases may vary.
Procedures or Surgeries
Procedures or surgeries are used to get a cardiovascular disease treated when medications and lifestyle changes aren’t working. An angioplasty or a coronary artery bypass grafting are some procedures used.
Active Surveillance
To get a cardiovascular disease treated is to get the various health indicators like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels under control and in check. Regular monitoring/active surveillance will help control the disease. Such active surveillance can not only help treat the disease but can also prevent it from getting in the first place.
Conclusion
Heart disease is a global public health concern. People may lower their chance of getting this illness and enhance their general heart health by being aware of its causes, identifying its symptoms, and taking preventative action. A comprehensive strategy to manage cardiovascular disease can result in improved results and a greater quality of life.
FAQs
- How can heart disease be avoided? How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?
Heart disease can be prevented through maintaining a healthy diet and keeping your body active through regular exercise. Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease involves medical history, physical exams, and tests such as ECG and angiograms.
- Is it possible to treat or reverse cardiovascular disease?
In some cases, cardiovascular diseases are reversible. It is possible to treat a cardiovascular disease through proper diet, regular exercise, and medications.
- How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?
Cardiovascular disease is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, and tests like ECG and angiograms.
- Can cardiovascular disease be reversed or cured?
Complete reversal of a cardiovascular disease is rare. However, the condition can be improved through a combination of treatment methods.