Cardiovascular Diseases

What Are Cardiovascular Diseases?

CVDs are diseases of the heart and blood vessels, often caused by lifestyle and genetic factors.

💡 Key Concept: CVDs are usually associated with restricted blood flow, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Main Types of CVD

🔹 Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

✔ Caused by build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries
✔ This narrows arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle
✔ Can lead to angina or a heart attack

🔹 High Blood Pressure

✔ Puts strain on the heart
✔ Can damage arteries and increase the risk of clots and strokes

🔹 Stroke

✔ Caused by blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain
✔ Leads to brain damage or death of brain tissue due to lack of oxygen

Causes and Risk Factors

Risk Factor	Effect
Smoking	Damages artery lining, raises blood pressure
Obesity	Increases blood pressure and cholesterol
High-fat diet	Leads to cholesterol build-up in arteries
Lack of exercise	Leads to weight gain and weaker circulation
Excess alcohol	Raises blood pressure
Genetics	Family history increases risk

Treatments for CVD

Treatment	How It Works	Notes
Statins	Reduce blood cholesterol	Lower risk of fatty deposits
Stents	Wire mesh tubes keep arteries open	Minor surgery required
Bypass surgery	Blood redirected around blocked arteries	Major surgery – longer recovery
Lifestyle changes	Diet, exercise, stop smoking	Most effective long-term prevention
Artificial heart/valve	Used in severe cases	May require immunosuppressants or further surgery

Preventing CVD

✔ Eat a balanced diet (low in saturated fat)
✔ Exercise regularly
✔ Don’t smoke
✔ Limit alcohol consumption
✔ Monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol

Questions

What is coronary heart disease?
Name two risk factors for CVD.
What do statins do?
What is the purpose of a stent?
Give one lifestyle change that helps prevent CVD.

Summary

CVDs affect the heart and blood vessels and are mainly caused by lifestyle and genetic factors.
Key examples include coronary heart disease and strokes.
Treatments include statins, stents, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Prevention is best achieved through a healthy lifestyle.