Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Its Treatment

Cardiovascular disease is a condition affecting the heart’s function or structure.

Cardiovascular disease types

1. Coronary heart disease results from the restricted or blocked flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It puts an increased strain on the heart leading to angina, heart attacks, or heart failure.
2. Aortic diseases are conditions that affect the aorta. Aorta is the largest blood vessel in our body, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Among the most common aortic diseases is an aortic aneurysm, in which the aorta becomes weak and bulges outwards. This usually occurs without any symptoms. However, there is a risk that it could burst, causing life-threatening bleeding.
3. Strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the portion of the brain is cut off, causing brain damage and risk of death. A transient ischaemic attack occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted temporarily. FAST stands for the main symptoms of a stroke or TIA:
   • Face – there might be drooping on one side of the face, inability to smile, or drooping mouth or eye.
   • Arms – due to numbness or weakness in one arm, the individual may be unable to lift both arms and keep them there.
   • Speech – there may be slurring or garbling in the person’s speech, or he/she may be unable to speak at all.
   • Time – it is time to call 999 immediately if you see any of these symptoms or signs.
4. Peripheral arterial disease results from the blockage in the arteries of the limbs (typically the legs). It can lead to:
   • cramping or dull legs pain worsening when walking and getting better during rest
   • loss of hair on the legs and feet
   • persistent ulcers on the legs and feet
   • weakness or numbness in the legs

Cardiovascular disease causes

Your heart is a pump. It is a muscular organ located slightly left of center in your chest, about the size of your fist. The heart in humans is divided into the right and the left sides.

Coronary artery disease causes

The most common cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty plaques inside your arteries). Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, being overweight, and other unhealthy habits can contribute to atherosclerosis development.

Heart arrhythmia causes

Coronary artery disease, drug and alcohol abuse, overuse of caffeine, diabetes, stress, smoking, congenital (inborn) heart defects, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, taking specific prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies can lead to heart arrhythmia. 

 Without an external trigger, such as an electrical shock or the use of illegal drugs, a deadly arrhythmia is unlikely to develop in a healthy person with a normal, healthy heart. However, in the diseased or deformed heart, its electrical signals may not correctly start or travel through the heart. As a result, it makes arrhythmias more likely to develop.

Cardiomyopathy causes

Cardiomyopathy is the thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle. Its causes depend on the type:

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is typically inherited but can also develop over time due to aging or high blood pressure.
2. Dilated cardiomyopathy leads to widening of the left ventricle. The cause of the disease is often unknown. However, ischemic heart disease, toxins, infections, and specific drugs, including anti-cancer medications, may result in dilated cardiomyopathy.
3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy makes the heart muscle less elastic and rigid. It can occur for an unknown reason but may also be caused by amyloidosis (abnormal proteins buildup) or diseases, such as connective tissue disorders.

Click here to read more about cardiomyopathy.

Congenital heart defects causes

In most cases, congenital heart defects develop in the womb. Heart defects can appear during heart development (about a month after conception) and change the blood flow in the heart. Adults can also develop heart defects. You can develop heart defects as you age because of changes in your heart’s structure.

Valvular heart disease causes

Heart valves diseases can be caused by many factors. Some people are born with valvular disease, and others develop it due to valve damage caused by rheumatic fever, connective tissue disorders, or infections.

Heart infections causes 

When germs reach the heart muscle, they cause heart infections, such as endocarditis. Bacteria, parasites, or viruses usually cause heart infection.

Cardiovascular disease treatment

An appropriate treatment option depends on the type of cardiovascular disease a person has. CVD treatment options include medications, surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiovascular disease treatment is designed to relieve symptoms, decrease the risk of reoccurring or worsening of the disease, and prevent complications.
Depending on the condition, your healthcare provider may also aim to stabilize heart rhythms, reduce blockages, and relax the arteries, improving blood flow.
Generally, heart disease treatment includes:

• Lifestyle changes. Eat a diet low in fat and sodium, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, quit smoking, and limit your alcohol consumption to lower your risk of heart disease and alleviate its symptoms.
• Medications. If changing your lifestyle is not enough, your physician may prescribe you medications to control your heart disease and its symptoms.
• Medical procedure and surgery. If treatment with medications is not enough, your doctor might recommend a particular medical procedure or surgical intervention. The doctor will recommend a procedure or surgery depending on the type of heart disease and the extent of your heart damage.

You can also improve the cardiovascular disease symptoms by following certain advice, including:

• Quit smoking
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and check its levels regularly
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Control your blood pressure
• Eat healthy food
• Maintain control over diabetes
• Practice adequate hygiene
• Maintain healthy weight
• Treat mental disorders, such as depression

To improve the health of your vascular system, you can take the Khavinson peptide called Ventfort. It is a natural peptide bioregulator that affects vascular tissue. It is designed to make vessel walls more elastic, improve the function of the venous valves, and enhance regeneration of the endothelium (lining of the vessels). Ventfort is recommended for the complex treatment of various vascular and cardiovascular disorders.

Click here to read more about Ventfort.