Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is the 1 cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. Understanding cardiovascular disease is critical for preserving heart health.
What causes cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease results from plaque buildup inside artery walls. This plaque narrows arteries, reducing blood flow. It also increases risk of blood clots. Several factors raise the odds of developing plaque buildup and cardiovascular disease:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL “bad” cholesterol
- Smoking cigarettes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
Monitoring vitals like blood pressure and cholesterol starting in one’s 20s and 30s allows early intervention to mitigate these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical treatment if needed. Hormone imbalances associated with aging can also indirectly impact cardiovascular health over the long-term.
What are the most common types of cardiovascular disease?
The most prevalent specific forms of cardiovascular disease include:
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque accumulation in heart arteries which can cause chest pain or heart attack. This is the 1 cause of cardiovascular death.
- Stroke: Loss of blood flow to the brain, often due to a clot. This causes rapid loss of brain function.
- Heart failure: When the heart cannot effectively pump blood. This results in fluid buildup in limbs along with fatigue and breathing issues. Treatments aim to relieve symptoms.
How is cardiovascular disease treated?
Treatment focuses on restoring adequate blood flow and preventing complications. Common interventions include:
- Medications: Such as statins, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors to improve cholesterol, blood pressure, blood clotting, and heart function.
- Surgery: To open blocked arteries (stent placement, bypass) or repair heart valves.
- Lifestyle modification: Diet, exercise, sleep improvements which can profoundly reduce risk long-term alongside medication.
For middle aged and older adults concerned about cardiovascular health, the caring physicians at Harmony Hormone Care provide comprehensive lab testing and evidence-based hormone balancing plans personalized to one’s unique physiology. Their integrated approach aims to reduce risk by optimizing energy, nutrition and fitness in tandem with leading-edge medical therapies to help patients enhance function, vitality and lifespan.
What is the outlook for cardiovascular disease moving forward?
Promising research continues emerging on additional dietary supplements and medications to treat cardiovascular disease. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also revolutionizing outcomes in complex cases while reducing recovery time.
However, enhancing public awareness of prevention remains paramount. Small daily choices around nutrition, exercise, stress relief, and avoidance of smoking/vaping can profoundly reduce odds of cardiovascular disease taking root. Supplementing lifestyle changes with proactive lab testing and treatments through clinics like Harmony Hormone Care allows patients to take control of heart health.