What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a disease of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular). The accumulation of plaque causes the blood vessels (veins) to narrow, which reduces the ability of blood to flow in and out of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is a general term that refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common form of cardiovascular is coronary heart disease, heart disease, stroke, heart failure and hypertension.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Almost half of all adults in the U.S. have at least one form of heart disease. 

What are the risk factors of cardiovascular disease?

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of the people in the United States (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors. (CDC) Other health conditions and lifestyle choices that also increase the risk for heart disease include:

• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Overweight and obesity
• Excessive alcohol use
• Diabetes
• Inflammation of any part of the heart or major artery
• Blood clots
• Stress
• Age
• Family history of heart disease
• Gender

Warning signs of a heart attack — call 911 if you think you’re having a heart attack.

• Fullness or excruciating pain in the chest radiating to the neck, jaw, shoulders or arms
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Increased sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea

What are the symptoms of a stroke? – Call 911 if you think you’re having a stroke.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

What is the treatment for cardiovascular disease?

• Regular physicals and checkups
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Reducing high cholesterol
• Managing diabetes
• Reducing stress
• Reducing salt and sodium in your diet
• Prescription medications — your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help manage and control your condition
• Surgery and other procedures

How can I prevent cardiovascular disease?

You can’t control your age, family history or gender, but you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Be physically active every day
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stop smoking
• Lower your blood pressure
• Reduce your cholesterol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage your diabetes

Where can I find more information about cardiovascular disease?

Visit the Cardiovascular Disease webpages on our community education website www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org.