What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Posted by Keelie on October 6th, 2021

Cardiovascular disease is an illness that affects the heart and blood vessels. This type of illness can be genetic or brought on by different lifestyle choices. It is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heart disease. This article can better help you to understand more about the disease. 

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is not one single type of illness. It is a general name that many different problems fall under. Any kind of illness that deals with the heart and blood vessels will fall under the cardiovascular disease topic. 

Some of the many different heart diseases that can fall under this are:

• Coronary Artery Disease

• Congestive Heart Failure

• Cardiac Arrest

• Arrhythmia

• High Blood Pressure

• Stroke

• Peripheral Artery Disease

• And More

What Increases Your Chances of Cardiovascular Disease?

Not only can genetics play a role in heart problems, but your lifestyle choices can as well. If you choose to partake in unhealthy and unsafe habits, it can raise your chances of having a heart illness later in life. All of those choices take a toll on your body, and your heart is affected. 

Some examples of things that can make you at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease are:

• High Cholesterol

• High Blood Pressure

• Unhealthy Diet

• Smoking

• Lack of Exercise

• Overweight

• And More

What Are The Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases?

There are many different signs and symptoms that you can experience when your heart and blood vessels are not functioning properly. Your heart is a very important part of your body and it affects many different areas of your body. Some of the signs and symptoms that you should be aware about and point out to your doctor if you experience them are:

• Shortness of Breath

• Sexual Health Problems

• Chest Discomfort

• Lack of Stamina

• Left Shoulder Pain

• Swollen Feet

• Irregular Heart Beat

• Heartburn

• Back Pain 

• Stomach Pain

• Fainting

• Dizziness

• Numbness in Leg or Arm

• Fatigue

• Fluid Retention

You can experience some of these symptoms and not have a heart related problem. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for long periods of time and it isn’t going away, consult your doctor. A stomach ache every now and then or heart burn occasionally doesn\'t always warrant the need to see your doctor. Persistent and continual issues should be discussed. 

Can You Cure Cardiovascular Disease?

There is not a cure for cardiovascular disease, but it is able to be managed. Typically, this is done with medication and being closely watched by your medical provider. Depending on what the cardiovascular disease is, this can be done by your primary care doctor or cardiologist. 

Many heart doctors will work to control your blood pressure and cholesterol in order to reverse other heart and blood vessel problems you\'re having. The average age of someone to begin seeing cardiovascular diseases in themselves is around 45 years old. Although, there are times that these instances can happen earlier than that.