Many people believe that cardiovascular ailments refer to heart diseases. However, cardiovascular refers to multiple parts of the system, including blood, blood vessels, heart, veins, artilleries, and capillaries. A problem in any of these components in the system can lead to heart disease, which can consequently result in complications in other parts of the body. As a result, it is vital to stay on top of your health and identify the signs of cardiac issues.

Types of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiac issues include many different conditions involving one or more parts of the cardiovascular system. Heart diseases refer to the diseases affecting the heart, while cardiovascular diseases include diseases that affect the heart, arteries, veins, and blood vessels.

The different cardiovascular diseases are:

Angina

Arrhythmia

Congenital heart disease

Coronary heart disease

Heart attack and heart failure

Cardiomyopathy

Regurgitation and prolapse of mitral valve

Stenosis of pulmonary artery

Rheumatic heart disease

Issues affecting the veins, arteries, and capillaries:

Peripheral artery disease

Aneurysm

Atherosclerosis

Renal artery disease

Raynaud’s disease

Peripheral venous disease

Ischemic stroke

Major causes of cardio diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are an umbrella term for diseases that affect the heart, blood vessels, veins, and arteries.

Some of the major causes of cardio issues include:

Accumulation of plaque in the arteries

Thickening of heart muscles

Infections and fevers

Hypertension

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Lifestyle

Poor meal regime

Excessive use of tobacco

Obesity

Physical inactivity

Lack of dental hygiene

Stress

Complications of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases can impact the structure and functioning of the heart and blood vessels. If that happens, the heart may not be able to function normally and pump the required amount of blood that the body requires. The most common and predictable impact on untreated cardio issues is heart failure.

Other complications from cardio issues include:

Heart attack

Stroke

Aneurysm

Peripheral artery disease

Sudden cardiac arrest

Diseases in other organs like kidneys, eyes, brain, and liver

What is heart failure?
Heart failure is common among people over the age of 65 and those who have ignored or not treated any symptoms of cardio diseases. Heart failure is not sudden and takes many years to develop. As existing heart issues remain untreated, the heart continues to become weak. The muscles in the heart wall start weakening and begin to enlarge. As a result, the heart is unable to pump the blood necessary for the body and its organs to function. It is a progressive condition and worsens over time, leading to death if not treated on time.

Symptoms of heart failure
Though some symptoms like discomfort, pain, or pressure in the chest may be common for many cardiovascular diseases, some conditions may not give out any symptoms. Similarly, the intensity of the symptoms may differ for men and women. In the case of heart failure, the symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Doctors classify heart failure into four stages: A, B, C, and D. As the disease progresses to each stage, the chance of survival reduces.

Stage A

If there is no dysfunction of the heart, but a person is at high risk of heart failure due to pre-existing conditions, like hypertension or other cardio issues, doctors describe it as Stage A of heart failure.

Symptoms

The symptoms may include shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, and swelling in extremities like hands, feet, and ankles.

Treatment

Doctors focus on managing the underlying disease or risk factors.

Stage B

Changes in the heart’s structure, like enlargement of the left ventricle, begin at this Stage.

Symptoms

There may be no specific or new symptoms except what they have in Stage A.

Treatment

Doctors use ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers to manage and prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Stage C

At this stage, problems may occur in the heart’s pumping and squeezing function of the left ventricle.

Symptoms

Apart from the existing symptoms, you may feel breathless and fatigued.

Treatment

Doctors use combination diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, beta-blockers, and SFLT2 inhibitors and consider devices, implants, and other therapies to manage the symptoms.

Stage D

There will be advanced structural heart changes and intensive and significant symptoms even when the muscles are resting. This is also called end-stage heart failure.

Symptoms

Breathing difficulties

Shortness of breath

Rapid heartbeat

Weight gain

Nausea

Edema in legs, hands, arms, and ankles

Persistent cough

Dizziness and lightheadedness

Treatment

Doctors may recommend advanced treatment with mechanical support that make the heart squeeze harder. Other options are cardiac transplant.

It is advised to have a balanced meal plan, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and indulge in physical activities like brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. These can help in the long run to maintain cardiovascular health.