Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Here important details and how to prevent them in time.
Today, heart-related diseases alerted scientists and heart doctor near me and around the world due to their increase. Actually, more and more middle-aged Americans suffer the severe and fatal consequences of cardiovascular disease, even in areas or cities that were considered “healthier“.
While talking about cardiovascular diseases can be a very broad topic, an issue that must be addressed from an early stage, both by the age of the patients and the risk factors that are modifiable. Knowing how to identify them from the right moment can make the difference between life and death.
The medical community concerns more about the growing number of CVD Risks
According to a national survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal, they observed more cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity than in previous years, such as the biggest drivers in increasing CVD mortality.
In the United States alone, 34% of deaths are due to these diseases, many suddenly and almost all prematurely.
Pharmacological tests used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
These tests use drugs to try to unmask the electrical alterations that affect patients with Long QT syndrome (LQTS) or Brugada Syndrome. These diseases called “channelopathies” are inherited predisposing patients to sudden death.
Thanks to these tests, in relatives of patients affected by the disease, it can be said whether they have inherited it or not.
In general, the types of patients that should undergo these tests are those that have abnormalities in the electro-border, which are not conclusive but may give rise to doubt or lack of the syndrome. Especially in relatives of patients who have already been diagnosed and see if they have electrical alterations, at the same time presenting a strategy to the possibility of sudden death.
CVD risk factors
- Obesity Sedentary
- Stress and anxiety Smoking
- Drugs Alcohol
- Family background Mellitus diabetes
- Oral contraceptives Hypercholesterolemia
Main Cardiovascular Diseases
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
A frequent disease that affects one-third of the world’s population. It is produced by the increase in the force of pressure that the blood exerts on the arteries constantly (hypertension). One example of hypertension is pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to heart failure when not managed properly.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to high blood pressure located in the arteries (blood vessels carrying oxygenated blood to your lungs). A person with PH is considered in a serious condition due to the narrowing and hardening of arteries. Also, the heart needs to work double-time to properly pump the blood.
Diseases can cause this medical condition (e.g., systemic lupus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis), as well as certain drugs, infections (e.g., schistosomiasis, HIV), liver disease, blood clots in the lungs, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Learn more about the different types of pulmonary hypertension.
The signs and symptoms of PH include the following:
- Fatigue or gets tired easily.
- Shortness of breath or dyspnea (at rest or while exercising).
- Chest pressure or pain.
- Dizziness or fainting spells or syncope.
- Swelling or edema in the legs, ankles, and eventually in the abdomen or ascites.
Thrombosis
It is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel and one of the main causes of acute myocardial infarction. Pathologically, the fibrin aggregate or platelets that clog the blood vessels are also called thrombosis.
Stroke
When blood flow to a part of the brain stops, it can happen for a few seconds, leaving the brain disabled to receive oxygen and nutrients. This can cause permanent damage since brain cells can die.
Aneurysm
It is a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel, which causes it to protrude or bulge. This condition usually occurs in the brain, aorta, back of the knee, spleen, or intestine. Aneurysm rupture can cause a stroke or internal bleeding, becoming fatal.
Infarction (ischemic necrosis of an organ) Obstruction of blood supply to the heart. In general, it is caused by obstruction of the coronary arteries. Without blood, the tissues of the organs do not receive oxygen and die.
Arteriosclerosis
This is called the “vascular alteration” characterized by increased thickness, loss of elasticity, and hardening of the arterial walls. In general, it is produced by the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, among other substances in the walls of the arteries.
FAQ About Heart Disease
What is the possible life expectancy of a patient diagnosed with heart disease?
The survival rate of patients with heart disease varies. For instance, for pulmonary hypertension, the life expectancy of patients with PH is five to seven years when correctly diagnosed and treated.
Can heart disease go away?
Other chronic medical conditions can leave a person dealing with heart disease all their life. Most types of heart disease are progressive. For instance, patients with pulmonary hypertension eventually lead to death without proper medical care.
What is the best heart disease treatment?
Compliance taking maintenance medications, proper diet, weight management, and developing better coping mechanisms through counseling would help improve the lives of patients with heart disease. Thus, proper medical and family support is crucial.
Can a person live a normal life with heart disease?
If the underlying cause of heart disease is effectively treated and reversible, normal life is possible.
Recommendations
Many times, this practically “silent” disease takes us by surprise. That is why prevention is the most important thing to avoid entering an emergency box suddenly or even death.
Here are some tips to raise awareness and prevent heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents (stroke or apoplexy).
- Know the risks
- Take responsibility for your health
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure
- Do not smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke
- Limit calories
- Control cholesterol (blood lipids)
- Choose the pills wisely
- Reduce stress
- Stay informed (science is constantly advancing)
- Above all, do some kind of physical activity. Maybe not go jogging like if were competing for a place among the NFL future odds of the SuperBowl. Many sports and activities can be done without major difficulties and with great health benefits.
Are you willing to take care of yourself?
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