Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
CVD is the leading cause of death globally. In the US alone, 1 in 4 deaths is attributed to heart disease. Understanding what CVD is and how to prevent it can help promote longevity.
The most common types of cardiovascular disease include:
CVD often starts with atherosclerosis - the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This can be caused by:
Over time, plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, limiting blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Lifestyle changes and medications (if needed) to treat risk factors can prevent 80% of premature CVD deaths. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Key prevention tips:
At Vitality Renewal Clinic, our integrative approach combines lifestyle changes, customized nutrition plans, and bioidentical hormone therapy to promote heart health. Contact us today for a free consultation with our cardiac wellness experts!
I hope this overview on what cardiovascular disease entails and how to prevent it was helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!