Cardiovascular Disease

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. These conditions can interfere with how blood flows through your body and increase the risk of serious health events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD): Affects the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle

  • Cerebrovascular disease: Impacts blood flow to the brain and can lead to stroke

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Involves reduced circulation in the arms or legs

  • Rheumatic heart disease: Results from untreated strep infections that damage heart valves

  • Congenital heart defects: Structural heart abnormalities present from birth

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE): Includes blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism)

What Causes Heart Attacks and Strokes?

Heart attacks and strokes often occur suddenly and are typically caused by blockages in the blood vessels supplying the heart or brain. These blockages usually result from the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) along the inner walls of arteries. Strokes can also be caused by bleeding in the brain or traveling blood clots.

What Increases Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Some of the leading risk factors include:

  • An unhealthy diet high in salt, saturated fats, or processed foods

  • Physical inactivity

  • Smoking or tobacco use

  • Excessive alcohol intake

  • Air pollution exposure

  • Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, or obesity

Many of these risk factors are modifiable. Quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and managing existing health conditions can significantly reduce your risk.

Broader issues like poverty, stress, aging, and genetic predisposition also play a role.

How Is CVD Treated or Prevented?

Treatment often involves a mix of lifestyle changes and medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. In some cases, surgical or interventional procedures may be needed to restore healthy blood flow.

Prevention strategies include:

  • Reducing salt and unhealthy fats in your diet

  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

  • Getting regular physical activity

  • Taking medications as prescribed (e.g., for hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes)

  • Regular screenings and follow-up care

Symptoms to Watch For

You may not feel any symptoms until a serious event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. Here are key warning signs:

Heart Attack:

  • Chest pressure, pain, or discomfort (often in the center)

  • Pain in the arms, jaw, back, or shoulder

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, or paleness

  • In women: jaw or back pain, fatigue, or upset stomach

Stroke:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech

  • Vision changes in one or both eyes

  • Loss of balance, dizziness, or unexplained headache

✅ Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Patient Treatment Checklist

Initial Evaluation & Risk Assessment:

  • [ ] Confirm diagnosis (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, etc.)

  • [ ] Undergo baseline tests: ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, blood panels (lipids, glucose, A1C)

  • [ ] Calculate your cardiovascular risk score (e.g., ASCVD Risk Estimator)

  • [ ] Identify and document key risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, etc.)

Medication Management:

  • [ ] Take prescribed medications as directed (e.g., statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiplatelets, anticoagulants)

  • [ ] Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose regularly if applicable

  • [ ] Understand how and when to take each medication (with food, time of day, missed dose protocol)

  • [ ] Refill prescriptions on time and report any side effects to your care team

  • [ ] Use pill organizers or digital reminders to stay on track

Lifestyle & Prevention:

  • [ ] Follow a heart-healthy diet (e.g., low sodium, low saturated fat, high in fruits/vegetables/whole grains)

  • [ ] Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week (as approved by your provider)

  • [ ] Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption

  • [ ] Aim for healthy weight maintenance and reduce abdominal obesity

  • [ ] Manage stress through counseling, meditation, or relaxation techniques

Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up:

  • [ ] Schedule regular follow-ups with your primary care provider or cardiologist

  • [ ] Keep a symptom log for chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath

  • [ ] Stay up to date with labs (e.g., lipid panel, kidney function, hemoglobin A1C)

  • [ ] Discuss vaccination needs (e.g., flu, pneumonia, COVID-19) for added protection

  • [ ] Ask your care team about cardiac rehab, if appropriate after a heart event

  • Source