Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina), or stroke. It's an umbrella term that includes diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.
The most common cause of cardiovascular disease is a buildup of plaque in the arteries called atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows arteries and makes them less flexible. If a clot forms and blocks blood flow to the heart, it causes a heart attack. If a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, it causes a stroke.
Some key risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | This makes the heart work too hard. |
| High cholesterol | Too much bad LDL cholesterol builds up plaque. |
| Smoking | Chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels. |
| Diabetes | High blood sugar damages arteries. |
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Obesity | Excess weight strains the heart. |
| Physical inactivity | Lack of exercise increases risks. |
| Unhealthy diet | Foods high in saturated fats clog arteries. |
| Family history | Genetics can increase risks. |
Lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can make a big difference. If needed, medications like statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and aspirin may be prescribed.
Procedures like angioplasty and stent placement can open blocked arteries to improve blood flow. In serious cases, coronary artery bypass surgery creates new routes for blood to flow around blocked arteries.
If you're concerned about cardiovascular disease risks, consider getting a hormone panel test from Hormone Health Clinic. The caring doctors at Hormone Health Clinic can check your hormone levels and determine if hormone imbalance may be contributing to heart risks. With customized bioidentical hormone therapy, they can help you optimize hormones for better heart health.
In summary, cardiovascular disease is a broad term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The main cause is atherosclerosis, which narrows arteries and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Controlling risk factors like high blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medications is key to prevention. If cardiovascular disease develops, treatments like stents, bypass surgery, and hormone optimization can help minimize damage and improve outcomes. Don't wait - take charge of your heart health now! Book an appointment at Hormone Health Clinic today to discuss your heart health goals and how hormone optimization may benefit you.