Cardiovascular disease (CVD), or disease of the circulatory system, can broadly be grouped into organic and functional disorders. The supplied source states that some organic conditions may require surgery, while others may be managed with appropriate diet, lifestyle changes and medication. It identifies angina, blockages and heart attack among common cardiovascular conditions. Other conditions include hypertension, hypotension, atherosclerosis, tachycardia, bradycardia, coronary thrombosis and heart failure.
Angina and blockages: Angina is a type of chest pain that may feel like squeezing or pressure and can spread to the shoulder, neck or arm. Episodes commonly last from 1 to 30 minutes, although they may last longer. Angina can occur when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and may be associated with coronary artery disease. Because chest pain can signal a heart attack, urgent medical assessment is important. The source discusses angiography and advises readers to consider their options carefully; decisions about tests should be made with a qualified cardiologist and must not delay emergency care.
Coronary thrombosis and heart attack: A coronary thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or artery supplying the heart. It can partly or completely obstruct blood flow and oxygen supply, potentially causing a heart attack. Symptoms can include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back or arms, fatigue, light-headedness, an abnormal heartbeat and anxiety. Symptoms can vary, and some people may not experience typical chest pain. A suspected heart attack is a medical emergency.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): This is a condition in which pressure in the arteries is elevated, making the heart work harder to circulate blood. The source refers to a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or above; diagnosis and interpretation should be based on appropriate measurements and advice from a healthcare professional.
Hypotension (low blood pressure): The source refers to blood pressure around 90/60 mmHg or lower. Severe low blood pressure can deprive the brain and other organs of oxygen and nutrients and may lead to a life-threatening condition called shock.
Varicose veins: These are enlarged, twisted veins that may bulge near the skin’s surface. Conditions that increase pressure in the abdomen, including pregnancy, constipation and some tumours, may contribute to their development.
Tachycardia and bradycardia: These terms refer to a heart rate that is faster than normal or slower than normal, respectively. In adults at rest, tachycardia is generally a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, while bradycardia is generally below 60 beats per minute; the significance depends on the individual and their symptoms.
Atherosclerosis: This occurs when fatty deposits, including cholesterol, build up in artery walls and form plaques.
Heart failure: This is a condition in which a functional or structural heart problem reduces the heart’s ability to fill with or pump blood effectively around the body.
Other heart conditions include atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, cardiac enlargement, cardiac dilation and cardiac hypertrophy.
Cardiovascular risk factors include age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, prolonged sitting, diabetes, diets high in junk, fried or processed foods, some sweeteners and air pollution. Age and family history cannot be changed, but many other risk factors can be addressed through evidence-based lifestyle changes, medical care and wider social measures.
