Cardiovascular disease occurs due to disturbances in the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease and stroke are the two most well-known cardiovascular diseases, but there are other cardiovascular diseases as well.
According to data World Health Organization, Cardiovascular disease causes 17.6 million deaths annually. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as consuming too many fatty foods, not exercising regularly, smoking habits, and excessive alcohol consumption are factors that cause cardiovascular disease.
Various Types of Cardiovascular Disease
The cardiovascular system has the function of circulating blood throughout the body. When there is interference or blockage in both parts, blood circulation in the body can be disrupted and can cause various cardiovascular diseases.
Here are cardiovascular diseases that you need to be aware of:
1. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a condition when the heart has an abnormal beat or rhythm, such as too fast, slow, or irregular. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses that control the heart rate don't work properly.
2. Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Coronary heart disease is a blockage or narrowing in the coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup. This condition reduces the blood supply to the heart. If not treated immediately, CHD can cause heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
3. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy can cause serious complications, such as heart failure, blood clots, cardiac arrest, and heart valve disorders.
4. Stroke
Stroke is a disease that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. Without an adequate blood supply, the brain will not get oxygen and nutrients. As a result, cells in the brain will be damaged.
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein. Usually this condition occurs in the thighs and calves. In some cases, these blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism.
6. Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or peripheral artery disease is a condition when blood flow to the legs is blocked due to plaque buildup in the arteries. This makes the legs lack blood supply, causing pain when walking.
How to Maintain a Healthy Cardiovascular System
The following are healthy living habits that can be applied to keep your cardiovascular system healthy:
1. Quit smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. This is because the chemicals in cigarettes can damage and cause narrowing of the blood vessels. Therefore, you should stop smoking to prevent heart disease.
2. Limit fatty foods
Eating too many unhealthy foods, for example, foods that contain lots of saturated fat and trans fat can increase cholesterol in the blood. This accumulated cholesterol has the potential to clog the arteries of the heart.
3. Exercise regularly
Doing exercise or physical activity regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease. So, take at least 30 minutes every day to exercise.
4. Consume lots of fiber
Eating foods rich in fiber can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. For that, meet the needs of at least 30 grams of fiber per day. You can get your fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and nuts. One of the good food choices to prevent cardiovascular disease is chives.
In addition to some of the ways above, you are also advised to maintain body weight, get enough rest, manage stress, and have regular check-ups with the doctor.
Cardiovascular disease should not be underestimated, because it can cause serious problems in all parts of the body. Therefore, take care of the health of your heart and blood vessels before experiencing problems. However, if you already have a disorder in the cardiovascular system, undergo treatment and have regular check-ups with your doctor before complications occur.