Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death globally: more people die annually from Cardiovascular diseases than from any other cause.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include:

Heart disease

Heart and blood vessel disease (also called heart disease) includes numerous problems, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can block the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives, enjoying many more years of productive activity. But experiencing a heart attack does mean that you need to make some changes.

Stroke

·     An ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke) occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked, usually from a blood clot. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, some brain cells will begin to die. This can result in the loss of functions controlled by that part of the brain, such as walking or talking.

·     A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts. This is most often caused by uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).Some effects of stroke are permanent if too many brain cells die after being starved of oxygen. These cells are never replaced.

Heart failure

Heart failure, sometimes called congestive heart failure, means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. The heart keeps working, but the body’s need for blood and oxygen isn’t being met.Heart failure can get worse if left untreated. If your loved one has heart failure, it’s very important to follow the doctor’s orders.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm. There are various types of arrhythmias. The heart can beat too slow, too fast or irregularly. An arrhythmia can affect how well your heart works. With an irregular heartbeat, your heart may not be able to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS

Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease symptoms:

·    Chest pain

·    Shortness of breath

·    Fainting

PREVENTIONS

Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can’t be prevented. However, you can help prevent many other types of heart disease by making the same lifestyle changes that can improve your heart disease, such as:

·    Quit smoking

·    Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

·    Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week

·    Eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat

·    Maintain a healthy weight

·    Reduce and manage stress

·    Practice good hygiene

Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early, so talk to your doctor about your concerns regarding your heart health. If you think you may have heart disease, based on new signs or symptoms you’re having, make an appointment with Healhboxes to see a cardiologist. Call 09091111129 or 08097560000

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118