Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular Disease, or CVD for short, includes Coronary Heart Disease or diseases of the arteries (Arteriosclerosis, including hardening of the arteries, or Atherosclerosis), Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction), Arrhythmias, Congestive Heart Disease, Stroke, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Rheumatic Heart Disease and other dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular disease symptoms

Unfortunately, the symptoms of cardiovascular disease aren’t always readily apparent physical signs that give direct warning. Heart attacks often take people by surprise.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow in a coronary artery is inhibited or stopped completely. This can cause irreparable damage to the heart, and medical assistance is needed immediately after symptoms begin, to minimize the damage.

Signs of Cardiovascular disease

There are indicators of cardiovascular disease that can help you determine the risk of developing heart disease. Individuals who have a history of heart disease in their family should be concerned about heart disease themselves. Race plays a factor in heart disease, as does gender.

There is no cure for cardiovascular disease, but there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, starting with a healthy diet and exercise. Dietary recommendations include eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, consuming six or more servings of whole grains a day, eating fish at least twice a week and lowering your sodium intake.

Getting just a little bit more exercise than normal can greatly improve your heart health, as well. You don’t have to make drastic changes–small steps can make a big difference. For instance, using a push lawnmower instead of a riding lawnmower, and raking instead of using a blower, are great ways to get a little exercise. Take a short walk before breakfast or after dinner. Start by walking ten minutes and gradually walk a little longer every day.

Remember, a little effort can go a long way; simply adopting a healthy diet and adding a little exercise to your daily routine can greatly improve your heart’s health lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Be Sociable, Share!

•