Cardiovascular Disease: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Prevention

Our heart is our central pumping station that pumps blood to every point in our body. Any malfunctioning in the heart can prove to be fatal. As per WHO, approximately 17.9 million people in 2019 died from cardiovascular disease, 32% of all global deaths. 85% of all CVD death was due to heart attack and stroke. Here are some of the common cardiovascular disease types listed below:

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Peripheral artery disease
• Pericardial disease
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
• Congenital heart disease
• Hearth valve disease
• Endocarditis

• Rheumatic heart disease

   

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases

Almost every disease is curable if treated timely. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as you get any of the following symptoms related to heart problems and blockage of blood vessels: 

• Pain in chest
• Heaviness or discomfort in the chest
• Dizziness
• Breath shortness
• Pain in the leg while walking
• Soreness in the leg for a long time
• Difficulty in talking or walking
• Swelling in legs
• Numbness

Some Common Cardiovascular Disease Types are:

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Peripheral artery disease
• Pericardial disease
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
• Congenital heart disease
• Hearth valve disease
• Endocarditis
• Rheumatic heart disease

Cardiovascular Disease Causes

There are several Cardiovascular disease causes, which depend on a variety of factors. The following are some of the most frequent CVDs and their causes:

Heart Arrhythmia: It is a problem of irregular heartbeat. Your heartbeat can get very quick, very slow or can beat with an irregular rhythm. It is generally caused due to Diabetes, consumption of drugs, High Blood Pressure, Smoking, Stress, etc.

Congenital Heart Defect: It is the most common type of birth defect which can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and its working. When the baby is still in the womb, a congenital cardiac abnormality develops. It might be caused by the mother's pre-existing medical condition, drugs, or genetics.

Cardiomyopathy: Under this disease, it becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but some of the probable causes are certain genetic heart conditions, reactions to certain drugs and alcohol, viral infection, and chemotherapy.

Valvular Heart Disease: The disease occurs when any of the valves of the heart is damaged. It is caused by Rheumatic fever, infectious endocarditis or connective tissue disorder.

Pericardial Disease: It is an accumulation of fluid in the sac that holds the heart. When the excess fluid takes up too much space in the sac, it leads to a life-threatening condition. This generally develops through viral infection, inflammatory diseases like Lupus and Rheumatoid disease, and Pericardium injury.

Heart Failure: Heart failure is the most common term we all hear. It occurs when the heart muscle does not work properly and does not pump blood as efficiently as it should. There are high chances of heart failure if you have Thyroid, High blood pressure, or Heart muscle disease.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

There are several factors that can contribute to heart problems. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Age
• Sex
• Genetic
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Poor dental health

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies here. Instead of risking your life or undergoing major cardiac surgery, it is always better to embrace specific preventive steps. Some of those are:

• Quit smoking
• Daily exercise for 30 mins
• Reduce stress
• Keep a check on thyroid, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
• Practice healthy eating habits
• Get regular dental checkups
• Maintain healthy body weight

Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms

Each kind of CVD has its own set of symptoms, however, here are some common indicators of heart disease:

• Chest pain
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain
• Pain that is felt along the arm
• Dizzy or fainting
• Throat or jaw pain
• Fatigue
• Snoring
• Excessive sweating
• Constant cough
• Swollen legs, feet, or ankle
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Pale grey or blueish skin colour
• Numbness in extremities

If you are experiencing any or more of the above symptoms for a prolonged period- it is best to consult a doctor and get an immediate checkup.

 Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors may perform various tests to diagnose the cardiac problem you might be suffering from. These tests are: 

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitoring
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test
• Cardiac Catheterisation
• Cardiac CT-Scan
• Cardiac MRI

Once the doctor has diagnosed the exact cardiac ailment you are suffering from, they will decide upon the course of treatment. They might prescribe medications, and in severe cases, a person has to undergo surgery.

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• Open chest CABG
• First heart attack of specified severity
• Open heart replacement or repair of heart valves
• Stroke resulting in permanent symptoms

The health insurance premium starts at ₹12,521 per year, and you can get cover up to ₹2 crores. Take care of your heart today so that you do not break the heart of your family and friends!

Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Treatment varies with the condition of the patient and the symptoms they have. The treatment may include the following ways:

Lifestyle Changes: If the disease is diagnosed in time, some changes in lifestyle can help you fight the disease. This includes quitting smoking, changing diet, increasing exercise, quitting tobacco products, etc.

Medication: The doctor can also prescribe medications in order to manage the disease. The dosage depends on the condition and requirement of the patient.

Procedures: In cases where medication is not enough, the doctor may follow surgeries to treat the disease. For example, stents in the heart, open-heart surgery, minimally invasive heart surgery, etc.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Often, the doctor recommends a monitored exercise programme to help the heart get stronger.

Bottomline

Some of the cardiovascular diseases are life-threatening and involve huge medical costs. It becomes extremely painful in case any of the family members is diagnosed with any kind of cardiovascular disease. The treatment can burn a hole in your pocket. To prevent your savings from getting drained out on medical expenses, you must cover your family under a health plan offered by Niva Bupa. The insurer offers various plans according to your needs and supports you in tough times. Therefore, You must take action to buy a health policy today, to prevent any future loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. It's caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or strokes. 

What are 5 symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

The five main symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue during normal activities. Additional warning signs are irregular heartbeat or palpitations, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. Some people may also experience dizziness, nausea, or pain in the jaw, neck, or back.

What are the 4 types of cardiovascular disease?

The four primary types of cardiovascular diseases are coronary artery disease (affecting heart's blood supply), heart failure (weakened heart muscle), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and valvular heart disease (damaged heart valves).

What foods prevent heart disease?

Heart-healthy foods include fatty fish rich in omega-3s, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Berries, avocados, olive oil, and legumes also support cardiovascular health through antioxidants and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, excessive salt, and saturated fats whilst maintaining a Mediterranean-style diet is particularly beneficial.

What are the first signs of a weak heart?

Early signs of a weak heart include unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath during routine activities, and persistent coughing or wheezing. Swelling in legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen may occur alongside rapid weight gain.

Can ECG detect heart problems?

Yes, an ECG (electrocardiogram) can detect various heart problems including irregular heart rhythms, previous heart attacks, and enlarged heart chambers. It shows the heart's electrical activity and can identify blocked arteries, though some conditions may require additional tests..

Which fruit is best for the heart?

Berries, particularly blueberries and strawberries, are excellent for heart health due to their high antioxidant content. Pomegranates, apples, and citrus fruits also provide significant cardiovascular benefits through flavonoids and fibre.