The document discusses common cardiovascular diseases, defining them as conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, which are crucial for blood circulation and overall body function. It highlights two major diseases: coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by plaque buildup that restricts blood flow to the heart, and congenital heart disease (CHD), involving structural defects present at birth. Treatments for these conditions include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions, emphasizing the importance of understanding heart health risks.

1. A guide to common cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases refer to the group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. These blood vessels
maintain the blood circulation in our body. Technically all diseases that affect the body’s cardiovascular system are termed
as, cardiovascular diseases.
Before exploring the facts about these diseases, let’s have a little idea about the role of the cardiovascular system in the
functioning of the body. It plays a vital role in stabilizing our body temperature and pH. It is also responsible for supplying
oxygen to all of the body’s tissues organs and eliminating the metabolic waste.
Any disorder in the normal functioning of blood vessels, such as formation of blood clots, invites a variety of cardio
diseases.
Mentioned below are some common cardiovascular disease facts by www.lecturepad.org/ and the associated treatments
that hopefully add more to your knowledge:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Also referred to as coronary heart disorder, CAD is the major cause of deaths around the
world. One of the worst effects of this condition is that the arteries that transport blood to the heart become hard, due to the
accumulation of plaque, made up of cholesterol or fat, on their inner side walls. This accumulation of plaque on the walls
narrows the arteries, restricting the flow of blood to the heart.
Major reasons of CAD occurrence:
• High level of cholesterol in the blood
• Smoking and carbon monoxide in the blood increases the possibilities of underlying coronary artery disease.
• Hypertension adds more to the risk of potential coronary heart disease
• High levels of stress, an unhealthy diet, improper or in-sufficient physical exercise increases the levels of possible
CAD risks.
Treatment measures of coronary heart disease:
• By eliminating foods which are high fat content, and by changing an unhealthy life style, one can lower-down the
risks of this disease.
• Stopping or reducing cigarette smoking, and making healthy changes in your lifestyle, will reduce your chances of
acquiring CAD.
• The Right medications, such as beta blockers, will help to keep your heart safe.
Congenital heart deficiency (CHD):
Congenital heart disease refers to a condition which clearly indicates that there is irregularity or defects in the normal
structure of the heart. This condition is mostly, found in new born babies, because of incomplete development.
Reasons of congenital heart disease occurrence:
• Generally, children will inherit this disorder from their parents, who have or are also suffering from this defect.
• In Pregnant women, who are suffering from rubella or some kind of flu, diabetes or are alcoholics, there are
chances that their baby will be born with this type of defect.
Signs and Symptoms of CHD:
• Difficulty in breathing such as shortness of breath
• Discoloration of skin, generally skin color turns to blue
• Improper blood flow
• Respiratory infections
• Excess sweating
• Problems in feeding, weight gain
Treatment measures:
The treatment of this condition largely depends upon its level of severity. Under a surgeon’s expert supervision, surgeries
like; open heart surgery, heart transplants, valve replacement etc. can help to save your life.
The aforementioned cardiovascular disease facts help you understand the various risks to the heart, associated signs and
treatment.