This month we are discussing cardiovascular system health. Why this topic you may ask? cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in SA after HIV/AIDS and the leading cause of death in the US for both men and women.
In this article we will investigate –
- What cardiovascular disease is
- What are the symptoms
- Risk factors for heart disease
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Natural cardiac health tips
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels. These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and/or blood vessels. A person may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all).
Cardiovascular disease includes heart or blood vessel issues, including –
- Narrowing of the blood vessels in your heart, other organs or throughout your body.
- Heart and blood vessel problems present at birth.
- Heart valves that aren’t working right.
- Irregular heart rhythms.
The Burden of cardiovascular disease
What are the signs & symptoms of cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Older adults and people assigned female at birth may have more subtle symptoms. However, they can still have serious cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of heart issues
- Chest pain (angina).
- Chest pressure, heaviness or discomfort, sometimes described as a “belt around the chest” or a “weight on the chest.”
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Fatigue or exhaustion.
Symptoms of blockages in blood vessels
- Pain or cramps in your legs when you walk.
- Leg sores that aren’t healing.
- Cool or red skin on your legs.
- Swelling in your legs.
- Numbness in your face or a limb. This may be on only one side of your body.
- Difficulty with talking, seeing or walking.
What causes cardiovascular disease?
The causes of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the specific type.
For example, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries) causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.
Coronary artery disease, scarring of your heart muscle, genetic problems or medications can cause arrhythmias.
Ageing, infections and rheumatic disease can cause valve diseases.
What are cardiovascular disease risk factors?
You may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease if you have risk factors such as –
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
- Tobacco use (including vaping).
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Family history of heart disease.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Having excess weight or obesity.
- Diet high in sodium, sugar and fat.
- Overuse of alcohol.
- Misuse of prescription or recreational drugs.
- Preeclampsia or toxemia.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
- Chronic kidney disease.
Natural cardiac health tips
Key Supplements, Essential Oils & Natural Herbs
Things to Avoid & Biohacks to Optimise
In Conclusion
Treatment plans can vary depending on your symptoms and the type of cardiovascular disease you have. Cardiovascular disease treatment may include –
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
A healthcare practitioner like Balanced Healing can assist with –
- Wellness screening to access and diagnose your condition
- Personalised nutritional, supplementation & Lifestyle Plan based on assessment
References
Website – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21493-cardiovascular-disease
Website – https://www.heartfoundation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CVD-Stats-Reference-Document-2016-FOR-MEDIA-1.pdf