Intro
The cardiovascular system supplies oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Heart and circulation health is critical for longevity, quality of life, and prevention of disease.
Key Points
- Major cardiovascular risks: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, family history.
- Conditions include coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias.
- Prevention through diet, exercise, and blood pressure/cholesterol control is key.
Background
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death. Many risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle and medical therapy.
Causes or Mechanisms
- Atherosclerosis: buildup of plaque in arteries.
- Hypertension: damages vessels and heart muscle.
- Arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms affecting circulation.
Diagnosis / Treatment / Options
- Diagnosis: blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, ECG, echocardiography, stress testing.
- Treatment: lifestyle changes, medications (antihypertensives, statins, antiplatelets), surgery (stents, bypass).
Risks / Prognosis
- Early detection and treatment dramatically reduce risk.
- Prognosis depends on severity, treatment adherence, and lifestyle modification.
FAQ
Q: What’s the single most important risk factor?
A: High blood pressure is the most common and preventable cause of cardiovascular disease.
Q: Can exercise reverse heart disease?
A: Regular activity improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart efficiency, reducing disease burden.
Q: How often should I be checked?
A: Adults should check blood pressure at least annually; cholesterol and glucose every few years or as advised.