Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is one of the leading causes of death globally. Some types of cardiovascular disease include:
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain or heart attacks.
- Stroke: Interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, often due to a blood clot. This can cause brain cell death and disability.
- Heart failure: When the heart is too weak to properly pump blood. This causes fluid buildup in lungs and limbs.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that disrupt blood flow. Examples are atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and family history.
Prevention focuses on living an overall healthy lifestyle - not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Getting regular screenings and following doctor's advice for management of risk factors is also important.
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