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What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses various disorders, such as:
- Coronary artery disease - This occurs when plaque builds up in the heart's arteries, causing narrowing and potential blockages. It can lead to heart attacks or damage to the heart muscle.
- Arrhythmias - Abnormal heartbeats either too fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia).
- Heart valve problems - Defects that prevent valves from fully opening or closing to control blood flow.
- Enlarged heart/cardiomyopathy - The heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thick, or rigid - impacting its pumping ability.
- Vascular diseases affecting blood vessels, like atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease. High blood pressure can also damage arteries over time.
Risk factors for cardiovascular conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking cigarettes
- Obesity/overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Uncontrolled stress
- Diabetes
- Family history of CVD
- Unhealthy diet
Luckily, many risk factors can be prevented or modified through lifestyle changes:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a nutritious, plant-based diet
- Quitting smoking
- Managing emotional stress
- Taking medications as prescribed
The key is reducing factors that impact circulation and place excess strain on the heart. With awareness and proactive steps, the likelihood of cardiovascular disease can be diminished.
I hope this overview gives helpful context on what encompasses cardiovascular disease, common causes, risk factors, and preventative habits!
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