Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term that encompasses diseases impacting the circulatory system, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more.
CVD is the leading cause of death globally. In the US alone, 1 in 4 deaths can be attributed to heart disease every year. Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, physical inactivity, and family history.
There are a few key things to know about CVD:
The good news is that lifestyles changes and medications can prevent CVD progression. Steps like quitting smoking, losing weight, reducing salt intake, managing diseases like diabetes, and possibly taking medications like cholesterol or blood pressure lowering drugs go a long way. We also now better understand how hormones impact heart health.
For example, at Equilibrium Hormone Institute, we specialize in customized hormone therapy to help patients optimize their wellbeing. Our panel of doctors carefully evaluate hormone levels and provide treatment plans that may include testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormone therapy. Balancing hormones is showing promise in improving cardiovascular markers and quality of life. Please () to learn more!
In summary, CVD encompasses many common heart and vessel conditions. While it remains the 1 cause of mortality worldwide, simple lifestyle modifications and medical management can significantly lower individual risk. Routine screening tests help detect issues early. Together with emerging science on CVD prevention through hormone optimization, the future looks brighter for combatting this disease.