Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more. CVD is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year.
The most common cause of CVD is atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries. This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste, and calcium. Over time, it can harden and narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and other vital organs. Contributing factors include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
There are various types of CVD:
Managing risk factors is key to preventing CVD. Quitting smoking, adopting a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining healthy body weight, and controlling conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol can all help reduce your chances of developing heart and blood vessel disease. If you have concerning symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, consider getting checked out by your doctor or visiting Renew Hormone Center. Our comprehensive hormone optimization programs catered to your unique biomarkers can help mitigate CVD risk by tackling factors like inflammation, obesity, and hypertension at their root cause.