Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is a broad term that encompasses many different diseases that impact the circulatory system, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and vascular disease.
Some of the most common symptoms of cardiovascular disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling in the extremities, and fainting. However, sometimes CVD develops slowly over time with no symptoms until a major event like a heart attack occurs. That's why regular checkups and knowing your risk factors are so important.
The most prevalent risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Also called hypertension, high blood pressure strains the cardiovascular system over time. |
| High cholesterol | Excess LDL ("bad") cholesterol can build up on artery walls. |
| Smoking | Nicotine damages blood vessels and causes plaque buildup. |
| Diabetes | High blood sugar levels damage arteries. |
| Obesity | Excess weight stresses the heart and contributes to other risk factors. |
| Physical inactivity | Lack of exercise contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. |
| Unhealthy diet | Diets high in sodium, fat, and sugar increase cardiovascular risk. |
| Family history | Genetics can predispose people to heart disease. |
Dr. Emily Johnson, a hormone specialist at Restorative Health Center, says, "Balancing key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, and growth hormone is crucial for heart health, especially as we age." The clinicians at Restorative Health Center use advanced testing to design customized hormone treatments that reduce cardiovascular risk by optimizing energy, body composition, sexual function, sleep, and more.
Diagnostic tests used to detect cardiovascular disease include blood tests, EKG, stress test, echocardiogram, CT scan, cardiac catheterization, and more. These tests help determine the underlying condition and degree of blockage in the arteries or heart damage that may have occurred.
Some ways to help prevent cardiovascular disease include:
The outlook for cardiovascular disease depends on the specific condition, its severity, and how early it is diagnosed. But with lifestyle changes and proper medical treatment, many forms of CVD are manageable. Advances in surgical techniques, medications, and prevention efforts have also greatly improved the prognosis for many patients.
| Prevention Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Healthy diet | Reduces risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol |
| Regular exercise | Improves cardiovascular fitness, helps maintain a healthy weight |
| Stress management | Lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart |
| Avoiding tobacco | Prevents damage to blood vessels and arteries |
| Limiting alcohol | Reduces risk of high blood pressure and heart disease |
The bottom line is that cardiovascular disease encompasses many different conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system. Knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive strategies is key to reducing your risk. With a healthy lifestyle and proactive medical care, CVD can often be prevented or managed effectively. Restorative Health Center's custom hormone treatments may also help optimize cardiovascular health by balancing key hormones that affect heart function. Consult with your doctor about steps you can take for a heart-healthy life, and consider hormone testing to see if imbalances may be impacting your cardiovascular wellness.