Cardiovascular diseases, or heart diseases, are a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 85 million Americans are currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease. This article will discuss the 10 most common cardiovascular diseases.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
How to diagnose a disease of the cardiovascular system?
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a type of heart disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries, blocking the flow of blood. This can lead to hardening of the arteries and can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. It occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries is too high. This can cause damage to the arteries and the heart, leading to stroke and heart attack.
Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It is usually caused by narrowed or blocked arteries. It can also be caused by other conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
A heart attack occurs when a part of the heart muscle is damaged due to a shortage of blood supply. It is one of the most serious cardiovascular diseases, and it can lead to permanent damage to the heart muscle if not treated promptly.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can be caused by a number of conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.
Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, and a dysrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm. These conditions can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. They can be caused by a number of conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
Aortic aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries. It is usually caused by a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body, such as the leg.
Brain stroke
A stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the brain. It can be caused by a blocked or narrowed artery, or by a clot that has traveled from another part of the body.
How to diagnose a disease of the cardiovascular system?
1. Visit your doctor or a healthcare provider for a detailed physical exam.
This should include a check of your blood pressure, pulse rate, and other vital signs.
2. Ask your doctor to order laboratory tests to diagnose a cardiovascular disease.
These tests may include a complete blood count, lipid panel, and a blood clotting test.
3. Have an imaging test.
This can include an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, or a cardiac MRI or CT scan.
4. Have a stress test to measure how your heart responds to physical activity.
5. Ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, if they suspect a cardiovascular disease.
6. Have an angiography test to diagnose any blockages in your arteries.
7. Discuss the results of all the tests with your doctor.
They will be able to diagnose if you have a cardiovascular disease, and what the best course of treatment may be.
Cardiovascular diseases are a serious threat to the health of millions of Americans. The 10 most common cardiovascular diseases are atherosclerosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, arrhythmia and dysrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of these diseases and seek medical attention as soon as possible to reduce the risk of more serious complications.
