What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can refer to many conditions:
Heart disease
Heart and blood vessel disease, also called heart disease, includes numerous problems, many of which are related to atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can block the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot completely cuts off the blood flow, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives, enjoying many more productive years. But having a heart attack does mean that you need to make some changes.
The medications and lifestyle changes that your health care professional recommends will depend on how much your heart was damaged and the severity of your heart disease.
Learn more about heart attack.
Stroke
An is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked, usually from a blood clot.
When the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, some brain cells begin to die. This can lead to the loss of functions, such as walking or talking.
A occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts. This is most often caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Some effects of stroke are permanent if too many brain cells die after being starved of oxygen. These cells are never replaced.
The good news is that sometimes brain cells don’t die during a stroke. Instead, the damage is temporary. Over time, injured cells may heal and restore lost abilities. Sometimes, healthy brain cells take over the work of damaged ones.
Either way, strength may return, speech may get better and memory may improve. This recovery process is what stroke rehabilitation is all about.
Learn more about .
Heart failure
Heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. Heart failure does not mean that the heart stops beating. That’s a common misperception. The heart keeps working, but the body’s need for blood and oxygen isn’t being met.
Heart failure can get worse if untreated. If your loved one has heart failure, it’s very important to follow their health care team's treatment plan.
Learn more about heart failure.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm. There are various types of arrhythmias. The heart can beat too slow, too fast or irregularly.
Bradycardia, or a heart rate that’s too slow, is when the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute. Tachycardia, or a heart rate that’s too fast, refers to a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.
An arrhythmia can affect how well your heart works. With an irregular heartbeat, your heart may not be able to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
Learn more about arrhythmia.
Heart valve problems
Stenosis is when heart valves are narrowed and don’t open fully. This reduces blood to flow to the aorta and through the rest of the body. Regurgitation is when the heart valves don’t close properly and allow blood to leak through. Prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. Discover more about the roles your heart valves play in healthy circulation.
Learn more about heart valve disease.
Common treatments
Here are some common treatments for different types of CVD:
Heart valve problems
Arrhythmia
Heart attack
- Medications
- Coronary angioplasty
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- Heart transplant or other heart surgery
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Stent procedure
- Transmyocardial revascularization
- Lifestyle changes
Stroke
- Medications
- Carotid endarterectomy (PDF)(link opens in new window)
- Thrombectomy
- Aneurysm clipping
- Coil embolization
- Blood transfusion
- Lifestyle changes
Diagnostic tests, surgical procedures and medications
In the hospital and during the first few weeks after discharge, your health care professional may perform several tests and procedures. These tests help them determine what caused the stroke or heart attack, and how much damage was done. Some tests monitor your progress to see if the treatment is working.
Learn more about diagnostic tests and procedures.
Learn more about surgical procedures that may have been performed at the hospital.
Cardiac medications
The medications prescribed after a cardiovascular event can help with recovery and help prevent another heart attack or stroke.
If you’re a caregiver, make sure your loved one takes their medications as directed and on time. Learn about the medications that your loved one takes. Know what those medications do and what their goal is.
You should follow your health care professional’s directions closely. Ask questions and take notes.
Learn more about cardiac medications.
