Preventive behaviors can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke

Preventive behaviors can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

noncommunicable disease

cardiovascular disease

hypertension

arteriosclerosis

atherosclerosis

angina pectoris

arrhythmias

stroke

Cardiovascular Disease

The heart, blood, and blood vessels are at risk for a number of potentially serious diseases.


Noncommunicable diseases are not infectious.

Noncommunicable diseaseA disease that is not transmitted by another person, a vector, or the environment


One of the most common noncommunicable diseases is cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseaseA disease that affects the heart or blood vessels

Types of Cardiovascular Disease

There are many different types of CVDs.

As you read about these cardiovascular diseases, think about how each one is caused and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Hypertension

Hypertension can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other body organs if it continues over a long period of time.

HypertensionHigh blood pressure

Hypertension

Because hypertension often has no symptoms in its early stages, it is sometimes called a “silent killer.”

To treat hypertension, patients should manage their weight, get adequate physical activity, and eat a nutritious diet.

Atherosclerosis

If you smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol levels, you may have atherosclerosis.

AtherosclerosisA disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque on artery walls

Atherosclerosis

People with atherosclerosis have a condition called arteriosclerosis, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.

ArteriosclerosisHardened arteries with reduced elasticity

Atherosclerosis

The artery on the far left is healthy, while the other arteries show evidence of atherosclerosis.

Diseases of the Heart

When the blood supply to the heart is restricted, the heart does not get the oxygen it needs, and a heart attack can occur.

The result can be heart muscle damage or even sudden death due to cardiac arrest.


Heart attack occurs due to insufficient blood supply to the heart.

Cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating in a rhythmic way, occurs due to an electrical problem with the heart.


In many cases, sudden cardiac arrest can be reversed if CPR or electric shock using a defibrillator is applied.


Diagnostic Tools

Electrocardiogram

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Angiography

CT Scan

Produces graph of heart’s electrical activity

Produces images that show heart damage

Detects vessel obstructions with dye and x-rays

Creates heart images that show artery blockage


Treatment Options

Coronary Bypass

Angioplasty

Pacemaker

Laser Intervention

Healthy vein from another area implanted to create detour around blocked artery.

Balloon inserted inside artery then inflated, deflated, and removed.

Chest implant sends electrical impulses to heart to make it beat regularly.

Laser fiber inserted into blocked artery vaporizes the blockage, restoring blood flow.

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris, which usually lasts from a few seconds to minutes, is usually caused by atherosclerosis and should be taken very seriously.

Angina pectorisChest pain that results when the heart does not get enough oxygen

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias happen when the heart skips a beat or beats very fast or very slowly.

ArrhythmiasIrregular heartbeats

Arrhythmias

In one type of arrhythmia, called ventricular fibrillation, the electrical impulses that regulate heart rhythm become rapid or irregular.

This is the most common cause of cardiac arrest.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when a reduced or blocked blood supply damages the heart muscle.

Many heart attacks are sudden and cause intense chest pain, but about 25 percent produce no symptoms.

Heart Attack

Anyone who experiences the following warning signs of heart attack should call 911 immediately:

Pressure, fullness, squeezing, or aching in chest area

Pain spreading to arms, neck, jaw, abdomen, or back

Chest discomfort, with shortness of breath, lightheaded feeling, sweating, nausea, or vomiting

Congestive Heart Failure

This occurs when the heart gradually weakens and can no longer maintain its regular pumping rate and force.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure cannot be cured, but it can improve through continuous treatment, such as medication and practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Stroke

Sometimes an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked or bursts, resulting in a stroke.

StrokeAn acute injury in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted

Stroke

A stroke that occurs because of a burst blood vessel is called a cerebral hemorrhage.

Stroke can cause problems such as paralysis.

Stroke

Warning Signs of Stroke

Severe headache

Numbness on one side of the body

Confusion

Trouble walking

Dizziness

Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

What Teens Need to Know

CVD can begin during the teen years.

A teen with damaged blood vessels may not experience any symptoms until later in adulthood, but the danger is already there.

What Teens Need to Know

CVD Risk Factors You Can Control

Tobacco Use

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol

Physical Inactivity

Excess Weight

Stress

Alcohol and Drug Use

Risk Factors

Unavoidable Risk Factors

Heredity Gender Age

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

A disease that affects the heart or blood vessels

1. Define cardiovascular disease.


2. What can happen if hypertension continues over a long period?

It can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other body organs.


3. What is a stroke?

An acute injury in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted

Documents

Preventive behaviors can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke