cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels (veins and arteries). It includes conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and other related vascular disorders that can impact blood flow throughout the body.
CVD is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, and many cases develop gradually over time without early warning signs.
Who’s at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease is often caused by a build-up of fat in the arteries. This makes it hard for blood to flow through your body and can lead to a blood clot.
Things that may make it more likely you’ll get CVD include:
Different Types of Cardiovascular Disease
1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Also called coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease, it is the most common type of cardiovascular disease. It occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle (coronary arteries) become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually due to a blood clot forming on a ruptured plaque. This prevents oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, leading to damage or death of heart tissue.
3. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease)
Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This can lead to brain damage and long-term disability.
4. Other Conditions Linked to Metabolic Health
Including peripheral arterial disease, heart failure, aortic disease and atrial fibrillation – see details below.
Other Cardiovascular Conditions Linked to Metabolic Health
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Narrowing of blood vessels in the limbs due to atherosclerosis
Heart Failure
Reduced ability of the heart to pump effectively, often resulting from long-standing hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease
Aortic Disease
Including aortic aneurysm – may be associated with long-term hypertension and vascular damage
Atrial Fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm that is more common in individuals with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
Often, there are no underlying symptoms of cardiovascular disease, and the first sign can be a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms vary based on condition and can include:
Women are more likely than men to have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Emergency Warning
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath and/or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately. You should always call your country’s emergency number if you think you may be having a heart attack.
If you’re concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is easier to treat when detected early.