World Heart Day 2024
World Heart Day: Uniting for Global Heart Health.
What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, claiming over 20.5 million lives each year. It encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, with 85% of deaths caused by heart attacks or strokes. These diseases disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries.Your heart, roughly the size of your fist, is the strongest muscle in your body. It begins beating just three weeks after conception and can beat up to 2.5 billion times if you live to 70. But despite its strength, your heart is vulnerable. Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, poor diet, and high blood pressure can all increase the risk of CVD. Pre-existing conditions and other factors, such as hypertension or high cholesterol, further compromise heart function, leading to cardiovascular disease—a term that covers any disorder affecting this vital system.
Different Types of Cardiovascular Disease.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term for various heart and blood vessel disorders. While the conditions vary, they all pose serious risks to heart health. Here are some of the most common types of CVD:
- Coronary Heart Disease: Affects blood flow to the heart, often leading to heart attacks.
- Cerebrovascular Disease: Affects blood flow to the brain, causing strokes.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease: Narrows blood vessels in the limbs, reducing circulation.
- Heart Failure: When the heart can't pump blood efficiently.
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: Damage to the heart valves from rheumatic fever, often caused by untreated strep throat.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Heart abnormalities present at birth.
Symptoms.
Cardiovascular disease symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition but often include chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the legs or feet. For cerebrovascular disease, signs like sudden weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking may indicate a stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
How is Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and discussion of medical history. Doctors may use tests like electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, blood tests, or stress tests to assess heart function. Imaging techniques like MRIs, CT scans, and angiograms help identify blockages or other issues in the blood vessels. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
The Role of Accellacare Clinical Trials in Cardiovascular Disease
Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing our understanding of cardiovascular disease and improving treatment options. These trials help researchers develop new medications, therapies, and interventions that can save lives. By testing new drugs, procedures, and lifestyle modifications, clinical trials not only improve treatment but also help identify ways to prevent CVD. Many breakthroughs in heart health have come from clinical research, offering patients more effective solutions and earlier detection methods. Participating in clinical trials contributes to this progress, giving hope to millions affected by cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading threat to global health, but through awareness, prevention, and early intervention, we can make a difference.
Join Accellacare and take control of your heart health by adopting healthier habits, staying informed, and supporting life-saving research through clinical trials. Every step you take today can help prevent CVD tomorrow—protect your heart and encourage others to do the same.
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