*What is cardiovascular disease?*
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple issues ranging from high blood pressure and coronary artery disease to heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve problems.
Some key points about CVD:
- It is one of the leading causes of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths according to the World Health Organization.
- Many forms of CVD can be prevented by managing risk factors like smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise.
- Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arms and shoulders, lightheadedness, nausea etc. However, some forms of CVD do not have obvious symptoms in early stages.
Atherosclerosis is an important underlying cause of many CVDs:
- It occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries over time. This causes arteries to harden and narrow, restricting blood flow.
- Eventually if untreated, plaques can rupture suddenly and form a blood clot that blocks blood flow. This leads to events like heart attacks and strokes.
- Managing risk factors like high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes etc. can help prevent development and progression of atherosclerosis.
If you suspect you could be at risk for a cardiovascular disease, getting properly tested and consulting a doctor is crucial for early detection and prevention. At Endocrine Wellness Center, our experts can provide cutting-edge diagnostic tests to accurately evaluate your heart health and risk factors. We also offer science-based hormone optimization therapies that can help regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and other CVD risk factors.
Some key diagnostic tests for CVD include:
- Blood tests - To check cholesterol levels, triglycerides, CRP etc.
- ECG - Records electrical signals of your heart to detect irregularities.
- Exercise stress testing - Monitors ECG while walking to reveal abnormalities.
- Coronary angiograms - Use imaging dyes and x-rays to view artery blockages.
Here are some ways to help prevent CVD:
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
- Exercise regularly - Our fitness trainers at Endocrine Wellness Center can design customized regimes to optimize your heart health!
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Limit alcohol and sugary drinks
- Control conditions like diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol
- Reduce stress via yoga, meditation etc. We offer integrated wellness therapies at Endocrine Wellness Center to help manage stress!