Cardiac Vascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death both in the United States and the world. Preventable risk factors that contribute to CVDs include obesity, overuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking, illegal drug use and lack of exercise according to the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation (CDF). Other risk factors that can't be prevented include gender, race, aging and family traits toward heart disease. CVDs stem from narrowing of blood vessels due to buildup of arterial plaque formations leading to hypertension, heart disease, heart failure and stroke.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States. According to the CDF, it includes angina, chest pain stemming from a blood vessel blockage and heart attack, where heart muscle is damaged. When fatty deposits from cholesterol build up in blood vessels (atherosclerosis), it forms plaque, which may break off in pieces to form clots and block blood circulation.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, results when blood vessels are narrowed by atherosclerosis and the heart must work harder to circulate needed oxygen and nutrients around the body. The measure of blood pressure is denoted by the ratio of the heart pumping as compared to the heart at rest. According to the American Heart Association, a ratio of 120/80 Hg is about normal and numbers more than 140/90 Hg indicate hypertension. An added complication is that you may experience hypertension and not know it, because symptoms often don't occur with hypertension. A high blood pressure reading may come as a surprise.
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when either too little blood reaches the heart (diastolic heart failure), or too little blood is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body (systolic heart failure), according to Medline Plus. It is most often caused by atherosclerosis, but can also be caused by illness and toxins, called cardiomyopathy. Additionally, heart failure can be due to congenital heart disease, heart valve disease and certain types of irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak, nausea and swelling of the feet, abdomen or ankles.
Stroke
Stroke damages brain cells rather than heart muscle. The blockage of blood to portions of the brain affects both those parts of the brain and the parts of the body the damaged brain areas control. It is also caused by a blockage or clot stemming from atherosclerosis, according to the American Heart Association. Brain cells start dying in minutes, so quick action is needed. The National Stroke Association advises that if someone is having a stroke, you act F.A.S.T, using the acronym to check for symptoms and respond expeditiously: Facial features lopsided or drooping on one side, Arms uneven when you try to raise them level, Speech slurred, and Timely response by getting immediate medical help.
