Cardiovascular disease - Find out how to protect your heart : Your online pharmacy selection

What is cardiovascular disease and what are the main types?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. The main types include coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and peripheral artery disease. Coronary heart disease, involving narrowing of the heart's blood vessels, is the most common cause of CVD mortality.

What are the causes and risk factors of cardiovascular disease?

The causes of CVD are varied, but certain risk factors are well identified:

• Hypertension, the main modifiable risk factor.
• Smoking, which damages blood vessel walls.
• High cholesterol, which promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Diabetes, which increases the risk of developing heart disease.
• Obesity and lack of physical activity are also significant factors.

How can cardiovascular disease be prevented?

CVD prevention can be tackled through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, drug treatments. Here are some key recommendations:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre, and low in saturated fats.
• Engage in regular physical activity, at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Control weight to avoid obesity.
• Monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.

What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of CVD, but some common signs include:

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure or a burning sensation.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Heart palpitations.
• In the case of stroke, sudden symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech and blurred vision.

What treatments are available for cardiovascular disease?

Treatments vary according to the specificity of the disease and its severity:

• Medications, such as anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, and statins to manage cholesterol.
• Surgical interventions, such as stenting or bypass surgery.
• Lifestyle modifications, essential to support any medical treatment.

How important is regular medical follow-up for cardiovascular disease?

Regular medical follow-up is essential to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Periodic visits to the doctor help monitor health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. These measurements can help detect problems early, enabling treatment to be initiated or adjusted before the situation worsens. In addition, follow-up can include personalized advice on lifestyle and diet, crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How does hypertension affect cardiovascular health?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It forces the heart to pump harder, which can damage blood vessels and lead to complications such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and other conditions. Managing hypertension through lifestyle modifications and medication is therefore paramount to overall cardiovascular health.

What role does diet play in preventing cardiovascular disease?

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources, while limiting saturated fats, trans fats and added sugars, can help reduce risk. Specific elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, have been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy blood vessels.

How does stress influence cardiovascular disease?

Stress can have both a direct and indirect impact on cardiovascular health. Under stress, the body releases hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure, putting further strain on the heart. In addition, stress-related behaviors such as poor diet, alcohol abuse and smoking exacerbate the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Stress management through relaxation, meditation and exercise is recommended to protect heart health.

How important is physical activity in the treatment of cardiovascular disease?

Regular physical activity is an essential component in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Exercise helps control weight, reduces blood pressure, improves lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) and increases cardiorespiratory capacity. Regular activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming or jogging can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve quality of life for patients already affected.