Common Cardiovascular Conditions: Explained
15.MAR.2024
Written by Anna Sanniti Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton
A cardiovascular condition is a general term used to describe diseases related to the cardiovascular system, such as heart disease and stroke. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, and blood vessels called arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Certain factors may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke, including:
High blood pressure
High LDL cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
In this article, we will talk about the following conditions:
High blood pressure
Stroke
Coronary heart disease
Peripheral arterial disease
High blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, but having consistently high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase the risk of other health problems, such as stroke and heart disease, the two leading causes of death in the United States. ¹ This is because high blood pressure can damage blood vessels over time and can increase the chance of plaque formation in the walls of arteries.
A diagnosis of hypertension is a consistent reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension, and only a quarter of these adults have controlled hypertension. There are rarely any signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, making it a dangerous condition that often goes undetected. ²
Stroke
A stroke is caused by a blocked or burst artery in the brain. A lack of oxygen causes the part of the brain supplied by these arteries to become damaged or die within minutes. ³ Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. ⁴ Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. ³
The signs and symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness and weakness on one side of the body, confusion, vision problems, trouble walking, and severe headaches. ³
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease, sometimes also called coronary artery disease or ischaemic heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease in the United States and is the most common cause of heart attack.⁵ Coronary heart disease was described as the world's biggest killer in both men and women in 2019. ⁶ An estimated 200 million people worldwide are currently living with this condition. ⁶
Coronary heart disease is caused by the buildup of plaque within the walls of the coronary arteries - the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen. Plaques in the coronary arteries can partially or fully block the flow of blood to the heart.⁵
Often the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack. However, there are other symptoms to look out for, such as chest pain (angina), weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, pain in the arms or shoulder, and shortness of breath.⁵
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease is mostly caused by a narrowing or blockage in the arteries that carry blood from the heart towards the legs. The main symptom of peripheral arterial disease is pain in the legs or hips when walking, which gets better with rest. ⁷ It affects 8-10 million adults in the United States and is the third most common disease caused by atherosclerosis behind coronary heart disease and stroke. ⁸
To reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, you should talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
Reducing salt
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Stopping smoking
Reducing or stopping alcohol consumption
Regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
In some cases, your healthcare provider may also recommend medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about the most suitable steps for you.
Let’s recap
Cardiovascular conditions are diseases related to the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
Cardiovascular conditions are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
These diseases are often caused by a build-up of fatty deposits called plaques within the arteries. Plaques are made up of LDL-cholesterol and other substances.
The risk factors for cardiovascular conditions often include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits.
To help prevent these conditions, you should work with your healthcare provider to manage underlying conditions.
Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.
References
1. American Heart Association. What is atherosclerosis? Online: heart.org
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure symptoms and causes. Online: cdc.gov
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Stroke. Online: cdc.gov
4. American Stroke Association. Online: stroke.org
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronary Artery Disease. Online: cdc.gov
6. British Heart Foundation. Global Heart and Circulatory Diseases Fact Sheet. Online: bhf.org.uk
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Peripheral Arterial Disease. Online: cdc.gov
8. American Heart Association. Peripheral Arterial Disease Fact Sheet. Online: heart.org