Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is the 1 cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year. Major types of CVD include:
- Coronary artery disease: Plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- Stroke: Interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, caused by blockage or bleeding. Strokes can lead to brain damage, disability, or death.
- Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing of arteries supplying the legs and arms. This causes pain with walking and can lead to gangrene.
Leading a Heart Healthy Lifestyle
You can drastically reduce your CVD risk by living a heart healthy lifestyle:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise 30 minutes per day
- Eat a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- Take medications as prescribed
In some cases,
hormone imbalances may also contribute to heart disease risk. The knowledgeable physicians at
Optimal Hormone Health Center specialize in advanced hormone testing and evidence-based natural
bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients achieve optimal hormone balance and reduce CVD risk.
() with one of our
cardiology and anti-aging experts to see if our programs are right for you. Our goal is to help you live longer and healthier by addressing the root causes of CVD.
Key Statistics on CVD
- CVD accounts for 31% of all global deaths ](/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds))
- Almost 50% of U.S. adults have some form of CVD ]
- CVD is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. and globally
- Importantly, most CVD cases can be prevented with lifestyle changes and evidenced-based medical therapies!
I hope this overview on what cardiovascular disease is and how to prevent it was helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions!