1 cause of death globally, responsible for around 18 million deaths per year. The most common types of CVD are coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, and congestive heart failure.
What causes CVD? There are a variety of risk factors that contribute to the development of CVD over time. Some of these are modifiable, meaning they can be improved through lifestyle changes or treatment. Major risk factors include:
| Modifiable Risk Factors |
Description |
| High blood pressure |
Can damage blood vessels and force the heart to work harder over time. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is key. |
| High LDL cholesterol |
Can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries, restricting blood flow. |
| Diabetes |
Damages blood vessels and contributes to plaque buildup. Controlling blood sugar is important. |
| Smoking |
Damages blood vessels and increases clotting. Quitting is critical to reduce CVD risk. |
| Obesity |
Puts strain on the heart and contributes to other risk factors like high blood pressure. Losing excess weight helps lower risk. |
| Physical inactivity |
Contributes to obesity and high blood pressure. Getting regular exercise is protective. |
| Unhealthy diet |
Diets high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar can raise cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Eating healthy foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains is recommended. |
Some risk factors like
family history and age cannot be changed, but knowing about them can help guide preventative care.
What are the symptoms of CVD? Symptoms really depend on the specific condition, but common ones include:
- Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, etc.
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue or weakness
Many people have no symptoms until a major event like a
heart attack or stroke occurs. That's why regular check-ups and screening tests are so important, especially as we age.
How is CVD diagnosed? Doctors use several different tests to evaluate the heart and blood vessels. These may include:
| Diagnostic Test |
Description |
| Physical exam |
Listening to the heart and assessing pulses, blood pressure, etc. |
| Electrocardiogram (EKG) |
Records electrical signals from the heart to check for abnormalities. |
| Echocardiogram |
Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's structure and function. |
| Stress testing |
Assesses how the heart functions during exercise. |
| Cardiac catheterization |
Inserts a thin tube into the heart to see inside the arteries. |
| Blood tests |
Measures cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other biomarkers related to CVD risk. |
How is CVD treated? Treatment really depends on the specific type of CVD, its severity, and the individual patient's overall health. Some general treatment approaches include:
- Medications - Such as statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and blood thinners to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, improve heart function, prevent clotting, etc.
- Surgery - Procedures like stents to open blocked arteries or bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around clogged arteries.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking to help control risk factors and prevent progression.
- Medical devices - Such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators to regulate abnormal heart rhythms.
The key is early detection and active management of CVD risk factors before they escalate. If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health, schedule a check-up with your doctor and ask about screening tests. Small steps like improving your diet, exercising more, and reducing stress can make a big difference! The caring medical team at
Renew Hormones specializes in hormonal therapies and lifestyle coaching tailored to your unique health needs. They are dedicated to helping you take control of your heart health and overall well-being.