Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and/or blood vessels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Most cardiovascular disease can be prevented through eating healthy, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.
Arrhythmias
The types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) include bradycardia (slow heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat), fibrillation (chaotic heartbeat) and premature contraction (early heartbeat). Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia and is a risk factor for stroke, according to the CDC. When the heart beats irregularly, it pumps the blood inefficiently through the blood vessels, which may cause vital organs (such as the brain, liver and lungs) to not function properly or to be damaged.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease is a heart defect that develops during pregnancy when the fetus is in the uterus. Most heart defects either block blood flow or cause blood to flow through the heart in an irregular way.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when the vessels surrounding the heart become hardened and narrow (atherosclerosis). Blood flow is restricted through the blood vessels, causing the heart to not work properly and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Atherosclerosis is caused from a build up of plaque (deposits of fat and other bodily substances) in the vessel walls.
Heart Attack
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is enduring damage to the heart from a lack of blood supply. Heart attacks typically arise from coronary heart disease. A heart attack occurs when the blood is completely blocked from flowing to the heart. As a result, heart cells become damaged.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is when the heart pumps blood weaker than usual, making blood move through the body and heart at a slower rate. As a result, the body's needs for blood, nutrients and oxygen are not met. Over time, heart failure leads to tiredness and difficulty breathing. Congestive heart failure occurs when the slowed blood returning to the heart backs up in the veins, causing fluid to build up in the body's tissues.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when blood pushes too hard on artery walls as it flows through the body. Too much force or pressure on the artery walls can lead to a stroke or heart attack. High blood pressure is indicated when blood pressure readings of 140/90mmHg or higher are taken on two separate occasions.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries outside of the heart become hardened and narrow (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis occurs when deposits of fat and other bodily substances build up inside the blood vessels, restricting blood flow. PAD typically develops in the blood vessels of the legs.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or becomes blocked by a clot. The part of the brain not receiving the necessary nutrients then becomes damaged. As a result, the part of the body controlled by the damaged brain area cannot work properly.
