Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease usually refers to heart disease and stroke that is caused by a narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel.

Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease. A heart attack or stroke may be the first signs of CVD.

Cardiovascular Disease

The underlying cause of coronary heart disease and stroke is atherosclerosis (the build up of fatty deposits that form plaques on the inner lining of the blood vessels).

Risk factors include:

• Age, sex and family history – often referred to as non-modifiable risk factors
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• An unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Diabetes
• Obesity or being overweight
• Unrelieved stress

Cardiovascular Disease

Keeping a heart healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Many risk factors influence and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. A lot of these risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, inactivity and smoking are modifiable.

Cardiovascular Disease

The tests to diagnose cardiovascular disease will depend on your risk factors and symptoms.

Your doctor will do a physical examination and ask you about your own and your family medical history before doing any tests.

These tests may include: blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, a Holter monitor, angiogram/cardiac catheterisation, a CT scan, and MRI.

Cardiovascular Disease

Treatment options depend on how your condition is presenting itself.

Making certain lifestyle changes is vital to improving and potentially preventing cardiovascular disease.

Depending on your individual condition, certain medications may be prescribed. If these medications aren’t enough, specific procedures or surgery may be recommended.

Cardiovascular Disease

Read our resources for further information:

• Have a look at our selection of Ways To Live Life Better articles that cover everything from healthy eating, to being active, reducing alcohol and salt, and quitting smoking.
• For more about heart conditions, from diagnosis to prevention and treatment, view our Heart Conditions Explained articles such as: atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack and stroke.