Cardiovascular Disease
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease describes a group of disorders affecting the heart, blood vessels, and circulation. These include heart failure, stroke, and heart attack. Some conditions increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
A variety of symptoms are associated with cardiovascular disease, including:
- chest pain
- irregular heartbeat
- breathlessness
- dizziness
- exhaustion
- leg swelling or pain
- numbness
A cardiologist is a specialist healthcare provider who is an expert in cardiovascular disease. They perform various tests and procedures like chest X-rays, MRI scans, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to help diagnose and treat conditions and diseases associated with the heart.
The treatment of cardiovascular disease aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of reoccurrence. The type of treatment varies by disorder, but often includes:
- medication
- lifestyle changes
- devices such as a pacemaker
- stents
- surgery
What is the significance of cardiovascular disease in healthcare?
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide and places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. However, the majority of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Cardiologists help patients identify, manage, and treat the risk factors associated with these diseases so that complications and premature death can be reduced or avoided.