Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases that impact the circulatory system, including:
Some key risk factors for CVD include:
CAD in particular is driven by the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque inside the coronary arteries. This is a process called atherosclerosis which can:
Over time, reduced blood flow deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and can cause chest pain or discomfort (angina). Plaque rupture can also trigger formation of blood clots leading to heart attack.
Managing risk factors is crucial to preventing cardiovascular disease. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes like:
Medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and clotting may also be prescribed. Procedures like stenting or bypass surgery could be options for advanced arterial narrowing.
As we age, staying vigilant about CVD risk through screening and prevention gives us our best chance to maintain lifelong heart health! For personalized care, consider contacting the caring medical team at Elite Hormone Therapy. Their integrative approach looks at the whole patient to develop customized treatment plans aimed at improving heart health markers for better quality of life.