Why you need to know the different types and conditions of cardiovascular disease?
Why you need to know the different types and conditions of cardiovascular disease?
- Introduction
- What are the different cardiovascular disease conditions?
- What symptoms indicate possible complications of cardiovascular disease?
- What conditions or types of cardiovascular disease can be diagnosed early?
- Is it true that I can get cardiovascular disease due to air pollution?
- What are the sources of this environmental pollution?
- Is genetic testing as a diagnostic method an effective option?
Introduction
Around 85% of fatalities from cardiovascular diseases are due to heart attack and stroke. The remaining fatalities are linked to other conditions in CVD. Did you know that cardiovascular diseases are broadly classified into 04 different conditions and 13 disorders? Let’s take a good look at the different types and conditions of cardiovascular diseases.
What are the different cardiovascular disease conditions?
As outlined above, the number of disorders that cause CVD are many; however, there are four main types and conditions of cardiovascular disease. These four types include coronary heart disease, stroke and transient ischemic attack, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic disease. Here is a quick outline of these four types.
- Coronary heart disease – This is due to a blockage or reduction of flow of blood to the heart muscle. When the flow of oxygen rich blood is reduced or blocked, it causes an increased strain on the heart. This results in one of three different outcomes:
- Chest pain, medically known as angina.
- Heart attacks, due to blockage of blood flow to heart muscle.
- Heart failure, due to inability of the heart to pump blood.
- (i) Stroke – This occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked, resulting in possible fatality or brain damage.
- (ii) Transient ischemic attack – This is more like a stroke and is often called a mini stroke, with a single difference. The blockage of blood supply to the brain is temporary in nature.
- Peripheral arterial disease – This is due to blockage of blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. This typically affects arteries that carry blood to the legs.
- Aortic disease – This refers to conditions that impact the large blood vessel that moves blood throughout the body from the heart. This blood vessel is the aorta, and when it becomes weak and begins to bulge, it is known as aortic aneurysm. This is one of the most common conditions in aortic disease.
- Coronary heart disease – This is due to a blockage or reduction of flow of blood to the heart muscle. When the flow of oxygen rich blood is reduced or blocked, it causes an increased strain on the heart. This results in one of three different outcomes:
What symptoms indicate possible complications of cardiovascular disease?
The four main types and conditions of cardiovascular disease have certain tell-tale symptoms that indicate possible complications.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease
You may experience pain the chest, like a full feeling or some kind of pressure. This is known as angina and is considered as a strong symptom that needs to be treated. You may also experience overall weakness, apart from difficulty breathing. Another possible symptom is swelling in the hands or the feet. Your heart beats may race or beat abnormally, and these palpitations are another strong indication of CAD.
Symptoms of stroke and TIA
In the event of a stroke or TIA, your face may droop on either side. Additionally, you find it hard to smile, and you’re your eyes, mouth may appear drooping. You may also be unable to lift your arm or arms as a result of extreme weakness or numb sensation. Your speech may be slurred and sound incomprehensible.
Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease
In the event of onset of peripheral arterial disease, you are likely to experience pain in your leg that could cramping in nature. This pain aggravates when you walk and feels better when you take rest. You may also experience a numb sensation in your legs apart from loss of hair. Another possible symptom is ulcers on your legs, where these open sores persist and are difficulty to treat.
Symptoms of aortic disease
This condition typically does not present symptoms. However, when the condition has worsened, it could cause the blood vessel to rupture. This could end up with extensive bleeding that could be life threatening in nature.
What conditions or types of cardiovascular disease can be diagnosed early?
Certain types and conditions of CVD can be diagnosed early, thereby preventing complications at a later stage. This will minimize the impact of the disease and in some instances, can help you prevent it. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed include:
- Valvular heart disease – This condition can be diagnosed through medical examination and tests. For instance, echocardiogram, ECG/EKG, CT Scan, and cardiac catheterization can help detect the condition.
- Congenital heart disease – This refers to a defect by birth, and can be detected before birth, or later at any stage. This is diagnosed through cardiac MRI, ultrasound, echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization.
- Hypertension – This can be diagnosed through simple blood pressure tests. This may require periodic testing, as the condition is known to develop slowly and silently.
Is it true that I can get cardiovascular disease due to air pollution?
Yes, unfortunately, this is true. However, this will only happen after long term exposure to air pollution. This is responsible for types and conditions of cardiovascular disease, by contributing to atherosclerosis. Pollution is also known to cause high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, and both of these conditions indirectly contribute to CVD.
What are the sources of this environmental pollution?
Common sources include power plants, industries, automobiles, and smoke from forests. Particulate matter may be present all through the year, and are know to stay suspended in air for weeks. Pollution levels will increase in roads that have high vehicular traffic, and when the weather is calm and less windy. This permits air pollution to build up, as the stagnant air has higher concentration of particles.
Is genetic testing as a diagnostic method an effective option?
Yes, genetic testing is a very important diagnostic method. This is because, one of the reasons for CVD is the genetic component. This means you can inherit it, apart from possible genetic mutations at birth. The best way to detect this is through genetic testing. This will give you a clear confirmation or rule out the risk, genetically.
Based on the results, you can seek expert treatment, including medications, lifestyle modifications or preventive surgical procedures. Advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu, giving you a clear analysis of genetic risk of CVD. A simple blood or saliva sample is all that is required for the analysis and comprehensive report generation.
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Education: Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh Experience: A dedicated health writer with 8 years of experience covering a range of health topics, including public health and nutrition. His work has appeared on reputable Indian health websites and journals such as India Health Journal and The Health Times. Ravi also collaborates with Indian health agencies on public health campaigns.