Cardiovascular disease and heart disease – many times these terms are used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the term for ALL types of diseases that affect the heart (cardio) or blood vessels (vascular). This can include:
- Coronary artery disease: Problem with your heart’s blood vessels, like blockages.
- Arrhythmia: Problem with your heart’s electrical conduction system. This can cause abnormal heart rates or rhythms.
- Valve disease: Tightening or leaking in your heart valves. These are structures that allow blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber or blood vessel.
- Heart failure: Problem with heart pumping and relaxing functions, leading to fluid buildup and shortness of breath.
- Stroke: Problem with the blood vessels in the brain, including blockages and bleeding.
- Peripheral artery disease: Issue with the blood vessels of your arms, legs or abdominal organs, such as narrowing or blockages.
In Virginia, United States and worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease refers to several conditions that affect the heart itself and how it works. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.
About 5% of Americans have been diagnosed with heart disease. Nearly 690,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, including almost16,500 Virginians.
Common Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases
- Symptoms of Heart Issues
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- Chest pain
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- Chest pressure, heaviness or discomfort
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- Shortness of breath
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- Dizziness or fainting
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- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Symptoms of blockages in blood vessels
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- Pain or cramps in your legs when you walk
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- Leg sores that aren’t healing
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- Cool or red skin on your legs
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- Swelling in your legs
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- Numbness in your face or a limb
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- Difficulty with talking, seeing or walking
Protect Yourself from Cardiovascular Diseases
- Have a healthy diet.
- Be physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit alcohol use.
- If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes take steps recommended by your health care provider. You can keep it under control by taking medication and monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure.