What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and is the number one cause of death globally. CVD mainly includes:

• Coronary Heart Disease – Blockage of arteries supplying blood to the heart

• Stroke – Blockage of arteries supplying blood to the brain

CVD affects men and women equally. Children are at a risk too.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when arteries, that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles, become blocked. As a result, the heart muscles are damaged.

Symptoms of a heart attack

• Pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest – uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that either stays for a few minutes or goes away and comes back

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach

• Shortness of breath

• Cold sweat or light-headedness

• Nausea/vomiting (more common in women)

Stroke

The brain gets oxygen from arteries that run through it. If blood supply is interrupted or reduced in any of these arteries the brain can be damaged, causing a stroke. This may lead to long-term disabilities.

Symptoms of a stroke

Symptoms appear suddenly and depend on the area of the brain affected:

• Sudden weakness/numbness/paralysis of one side of the body (usually arm and leg)

• Slurring/Loss of speech/confusion/trouble understanding speech

• Loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Weakness/numbness of the face

• Difficulty walking or balancing

• Headache

• Dizziness, fainting

Who is more likely to get CVD?

Some people have greater chances of developing CVD.

These include those who:

• Eat an unhealthy diet

• Are physically inactive

• Have high cholesterol levels

• Have high blood pressure

• Are obese

• Have high blood sugar levels

• Consume tobacco

• Drink alcohol in excess Increasing age, male gender, family history and race also increase the risk of CVD.

If you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, seek medical help immediately!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Should you have questions or concerns about any topic described here, please consult your medical professional.