Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. The most common types of CVD are coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Causes of CVD
There are several risk factors that contribute to CVD:
| Risk Factor |
Description |
| High cholesterol |
Excess LDL cholesterol can build up on artery walls, narrowing the vessels and reducing blood flow |
| High blood pressure |
Forceful blood pushing against artery walls can damage the vessels over time |
| Smoking |
Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage blood cells and arteries, increasing risk of heart disease |
| Diabetes |
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart |
| Obesity |
Excess weight strains the heart and contributes to other risk factors like high cholesterol |
| Physical inactivity |
Lack of exercise makes the heart work harder and contributes to obesity |
| Poor diet |
Eating unhealthy foods like processed carbs, trans fats, and too much salt can worsen risk factors |
| Genetics |
Family history of CVD increases your risk, especially if CVD developed at an early age |
Diagnosis of CVD
Doctors use several tests to evaluate CVD:
| Test |
Description |
| Physical exam |
Checking blood pressure, listening to the heart, feeling pulses |
| Blood tests |
Assessing cholesterol levels and markers of heart damage |
| Electrocardiogram (EKG) |
Recording electrical signals in the heart to check for abnormalities |
| Stress test |
Monitoring the heart during exercise to reveal problems |
| Echocardiogram |
Using ultrasound to get images of the heart's structure and function |
| Cardiac catheterization |
Inserting a tube into arteries to check for blockages |
Treatment of CVD
Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and sometimes surgery:
- Diet & exercise: Eating heart-healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Getting regular aerobic and strength training exercise.
- Quitting smoking: Kicking the habit improves heart health at any age.
- Medications: Such as statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and aspirin.
- Angioplasty: Inserting a balloon to widen blocked arteries. May insert a stent to prop it open.
- Bypass surgery: Rerouting blood flow around severely blocked arteries using a grafted vessel.
- AICD/pacemaker: Implantable devices to regulate abnormal heart rhythms.
The key is addressing risk factors early. Make heart-healthy lifestyle choices, know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, and see a doctor regularly. Small consistent changes can significantly lower your risk of CVD over time.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and CVD
At Balance Clinic, we help patients optimize their cardiovascular health through bioidentical hormone therapy. Declining hormones associated with aging are strongly linked to heart disease risk. Our customized treatment plans replenish hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA to more youthful levels, combating multiple CVD risk factors.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease is a serious condition that affects millions worldwide. By understanding the risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatment options, individuals can take steps to prevent or manage CVD. Lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures can all play a role in improving heart health. Additionally, bioidentical hormone therapy may offer benefits for those with age-related hormone imbalances that contribute to CVD risk. Working closely with healthcare providers is essential for developing a personalized plan to optimize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of serious complications.