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Cardiovascular Disease
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Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to the class
of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels
(arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to
any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is
usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis
(arterial disease). These conditions have similar causes,
mechanisms, and treatments.
Over 50 million Americans have cardiovascular problems, and
most other Western countries face high and increasing rates
of cardiovascular disease. It is the number 1 cause of death
and disability in the United States and most European
countries. By the time that heart problems are detected, the
underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite
advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore
increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by
modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and
avoidance of smoking.
Cardiovascular disease usually occurs as a result of
arterial damage. The symptoms and treatments
depend on which set (or sets) of arteries are affected.
In coronary heart disease, atherosclerotic plaques (inflamed
fatty deposits in the blood vessel wall) obstruct the
coronary arteries (blood vessels supplying the heart).
Narrowing of arteries is called arterial stenosis. When the
blockages become severe enough, the blood flow to the heart
is restricted (cardiac ischemia), especially during
increased demand (i.e. during exertion or emotion). This
results in angina pectoris. The acute stage of coronary
heart disease occurs when one of the plaques ruptures,
forming a thrombus (blood clot) that acute occludes the
whole artery. The portion of the heart muscle supplied by
that artery dies; this is known as a myocardial infarction
(or a heart attack in lay parlance). This may result in the
death of the patient if the affected area is large enough.
If the patient survives, congestive heart failure may
result.
Similarly, inflammation and blood clots may obstruct the
cerebral arteries (those supplying the brain). As the
disease progresses, an artery may be transiently blocked,
causing cerebral ischemia. This results in a transient
ischemic attack (TIA), called a mini-stroke in lay parlance.
If the obstruction is severe, a cerebrovascular accident, or
stroke may result, due to the death of brain tissue supplied
by the artery.
In peripheral artery disease, obstruction occurs in the
arteries of the arms or legs. This results initially in
pain, during temporary obstruction, and finally in tissue
death and gangrene if not treated.
There are many specific illnesses that may occur in
association with these and other cardiovascular disease. In
addition to the ones mentioned above, these include
hypertension (high blood pressure), arterial aneurysms
(arterial enlargement and weakening), cardiomegaly (abnormal
enlargement of the heart), tachycardia/bradycardia/arrhythmia
(fast/slow/irregular heart rates), cardiac arrest (heart
stoppage), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle weakness), heart
valve regurgitation (leakage), and heart valve stenosis
(narrowing).
Attempts to prevent cardiovascular disease take the form of
modifying risk factors. Some, such as gender, age, and
family history, cannot be modified. Smoking cessation (or
abstinence) is one of the most effective and easily
modifiable changes. Also important is a low-fat, low-calorie
diet, which helps one to maintain a healthy body mass index
(BMI) and preventing obesity. Regular cardiovascular
exercise (aerobic exercise) complements the healthful eating
habits. Sometimes, the combination of diet and exercise will
improve lipoprotein (cholesterol) levels; if not, a
physician may prescribe "cholesterol-lowering" drugs, such
as the statins. These medications have additional protective
benefits aside from their lipoprotein profile improvement.
Aspirin may also be prescribed, as it has been shown to
decrease the clot formation that may lead to myocardial
infarctions and strokes; it is routinely prescribed for
patients with one or more cardiovascular risk
factors.
Eating oily fish at least twice a week may help reduce the
risk of sudden death and arrhythmias. Studies of individual
heart cells showed that the fatty acids blocked excessive
sodium and calcium currents in the heart, which could
otherwise cause dangerous, unpredictable changes in its
rhythm (Leaf et al 2003).
Source: Wikipedia contributors (2005). Cardiovascular
disease. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 12:05,
December 26, 2005 from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cardiovascular_disease&oldid=30358794.
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