As defined by MayoClinic.com, cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is a general term for family of diseases that affects heart and blood vessels. The various cardiovascular diseases are hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke. CVD usually results in the narrowing of blood vessels and failure of valves and affects the pumping ability of the heart. International Diabetes Federation reports that CVD is the one of the leading causes of death in the world and estimates that about 17.2 million people die from CVD every year. International Diabetes Federation further estimates a rise to almost 20 million by 2015.
Cholesterol
As discussed by The American Heart Association, a high blood cholesterol level can lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Plaques consist of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol, that cause blockage of the arteries. This condition can increase the risk of CVDs such as heart attack and stroke. Plaque formation is a result of deposition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. American Heart Association recommends conducting a yearly cholesterol test to ensure that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are low.
Hypertension
MayoClinic.com states that hypertension can result in the hardening and thickening of the arteries as well as the narrowing of the blood vessels. This results in increased blood pressure on the arterial walls. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure reading is around 140/90 mm Hg. The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension can promote tears in the inner linings of the arteries, which can attract platelets and cholesterol deposits. This causes the formation of plaques that can block the arteries completely. MayoClinic.com states that hypertension can increase the chances of CVD, including heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Smoking
According to the American Heart Association, smoking is responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths in United States every year. Smoking increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance as well as increases the clotting tendency of blood. Smoking is also responsible for increasing the risk of a CVD such as recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery. Smoking is considered to be a contributing factor in the formation of plaque through increasing the levels of LDL cholesterol. Nicotine, the main ingredient of cigarettes, can also increase the possibility of plaque formation by injuring the vessel walls.
Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading factors for causing death among persons suffering from diabetes, as mentioned by the American Heart Association. Diabetes is a medical disorder in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin to maintain low blood sugar levels. Diabetes can also result in hypertension. American Heart Association states that diabetics may avoid or delay cardiovascular diseases by controlling other risk factors like excess weight, cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease
- International Diabetes Foundation: Leading NGOs call for international action to combat epidemic of non-communicable diseases
- American Heart Association: Atherosclerosis
- American Heart Association: Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Diseases
- American Heart Association: Diabetes Mellitus
