Cardiovascular disease occurs due to interference with the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease and stroke are two of the most widely recognized cardiovascular diseases. However, there are also other cardiovascular diseases that you need to be aware of.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease causes 17.6 million deaths annually. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as consuming too much fatty food, not exercising routinely, smoking habits, and excessive alcohol consumption are all factors that cause cardiovascular disease.
Various Types of Cardiovascular Disease
The cardiovascular system has function of circulating blood throughout the body. When there is interference or blockage in both parts, blood circulation in the body can be disrupted and can cause various cardiovascular diseases. Here are cardiovascular diseases that you need to know:
1. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a condition when the heart has an abnormal beat or rhythm, such as being too fast, slow, or irregular. This disease occurs when an electrical implus that functions as a regulator of the heartbeat does not work properly.
2. Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease is a blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup. This condition makes the blood supply to the heart decrease. If not treated immediately, CHD can cause heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
3. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the heart muscle. This disease can cause serious complications, such as heart failure, blood clots, cardiac arrest, and heart valve disorders.
4. Stroke
Stroke is a disease that occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to blocked or broken blood vessels. Without an adequate supply of blood, the brain will not get oxygen and nutrition. As a result, cells in the brain will be damaged.
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition of blood clots in veins. This condition usually occurs in the thighs and calves. In some cases, these blood clots can flow to the lungs and cause serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism.
6. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition when blood flow to the feet is blocked due to a buildup of plaque in arteries. This makes the legs lack of blood supply, causing pain when walking.
How to Maintain a Healthy Cardiovascular System?
The following are healthy living habits that can be applied to maintain the health of your cardiovascular system:
Quit smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes can damage and cause constriction in blood vessels. Therefore, you should stop smoking to prevent the emergence of heart disease.
Limit Fatty Food Consumption
Consuming too much saturated fat and trans fat can increase cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol that builds up in blood vessels, can interfere blood circulation to the heart.
Exercise regularly
Doing exercise or physical activity regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease. So, take at least 30 minutes every day to exercise.
Consume More Fiber
Eating foods rich in fiber can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. For that, meet the needs of fiber at least 30 grams per day. You can get fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
In addition to the above methods, you are also advised to maintain body weight, get adequate rest, manage stress, and see yourself regularly to the doctor.
We can’t underestimate cardiovascular disease. Because it can cause serious problems in all parts of the body. Therefore, take care of your heart and blood vessels health before experiencing interference. However, if you already have a disruption in the cardiovascular system, undergo treatment and do a routine check-up to the doctor before complications occur.
*USA Health Articles does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.
