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Cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular diseases is the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term encompassing heart attack, and other disorders of the heart and blood vessel system. (Heart disease refers only to disease of the heart and blood vessel system within the heart.)
The arteries that supply blood to the heart are called the coronary arteries. If the coronary arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become obstructed, the flow of blood is cut off completely, and a heart attack, or myocardial infraction, can occur, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries of the arteries, and the most common causes of obstruction. Arteriosclerosis responsible for the most of the deaths resulting from heart attack.
Disorder of the cardiovascular system are often far advanced before they become symptomatic. An estimated 25 percent of people who have heart attacks have no previous symptoms of heart trouble. Cardiovascular disease is the leading health problem in the western world. It is the number one cause of death in the United States, claiming well in excess of 1millions lives annually. An estimated 59.7 million Americans have heart and blood vessel disease, although many do not know it because they have no overt symptoms.
Traditionally thought of as a disease primarily affecting men, cardiovascular disease is a growing problem for women. It is responsible for the deaths of as many as 500,000 women a year in the United States.
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In fact, more women die from cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer combined. Lower levels of estrogen during, and after menopause are thought to increase a women’s risk for CVD. African – American women are at greater risk than women of other ethnic background.
Cardiovascular disease is not an inevitable result of aging. Many preventive measures can be taken to avoid heart disease
Types of Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension Disease
- Heart fail
- Arrhythmias Disease
- Valvular Disease
Hypertension is an extremely common form of cardiovascular disease. It usually result from a decrease in the elasticity or a reduction in the interior diameter of the arteries (or both), which may be caused by; ---
Arteriosclerosis, defects in sodium metabolism, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and enzyme imbalance. Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands, and heredity may be contributing factors. People considered to be at high risk are those who already have had diabetes, those who smoke, or those who already have had a heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension disease’s symptoms Such as rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and sweating.
Heart Fail:-- While a heart attack occurs because of an interruption in blood flow to the heart, heart failure is characterized by inadequate blood flow from the heart—The heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Symptoms include fatigue, poor color, shortness of breath, and edema/swelling, especially around the ankles.
Arrhythmias are disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. There are different kinds of arrhythmias. Some are quite dangerous –even immediately life threatening –while others may be merely annoying, and pose no particular danger.
Valvular disease is a term for disorders that impair the functioning of one or more of the heart’s valves. It may be caused by congenital defect, or it may be endocaditis.
In many cases, this causes no symptoms at all, although some people experience occasional fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and/ or vague chest pain.
Risk factors and warning signs
Following is a brief summary of known risk factors and warning signs of present or possible future Cardiovascular; ----
Risk Factors
High blood pressure.
Heart disease, especially a type of arrhythmia (Irregular heartbeat) called atrial fibrillation (AF).
Smoking.
Diabetes.
High blood cholesterol.
Obesity/poor diet.
Numbness or weakness in face, or leg.
Difficulty speaking.
Pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest;
Pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back.
Severe dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden dimness, loss of vision.
Sudden intense headache.
Brief loss of consciousness.
- Some have no symptoms at all, a situation referred to as a “silent” heart attack.
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Dietary and Nutritional Recommendations
Following is a list of the top ten foods for heart health.
- Fresh Fruits: Fruits contains fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes contain fiber, and plant proteins that help to lower LDL (“bed’) cholesterol levels.
- Fish: The omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish help to lower LDL levels.
- Dark leafy greens: Spinach, mesclun, Swiss chard, argula, and other greens help to reduce levels of a blood enzyme implicated in heart disease.
- Avocados: Avocados are rich in potassium, which helps to regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure and monounsaturated fats, which lower LDL sweets.
- Whole grains: Fiber and B vitamins are their greatest assets.
- Nuts: A good sources of monounsaturated fats and minerals.
- Soy foods: These are useful in keeping correct blood fat levels and are rich in phytoestrongens.
- Spices and herbs: Fat is better digested with the help of the antioxidant and phytochemicals available in many herbs.
- Wheat germ and flax meal: These are good for boosting your intake of fiber, vitamin E, and omega -3 fatty acids.
Recommendations
Make sure your diet is well balanced and contains plenty fiber. Among the sources of dietary fiber—cereal, vegetables, and fruits--- that fiber from breakfast.
Include garlic and onions in your diet. They contain compounds that help to reduce serum cholesterol levels.
People with cardiovascular disease may benefit from suma tea.
Drink steam- distilled water only, and get5 at least 6-8 glasses every day.
Controllable factors that can contribute to heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, elevated serum cholesterol, a type A personality, stress, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes. You can alter your lifestyle to keep your heart healthy.
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