Cardiovascular Disease: Signs and Prevention

Written By Elsie Velazquez Cert. Personal Trainer Prescription Fitness

Cardiovascular disease (often referred to as heart disease) is a general name for a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the heart and/or blood vessels.  According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute, Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States.  There are different types of cardiovascular disease.  The list includes:

• angina
• heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• atherosclerosis
• heart failure
• cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• congenital heart defects
• cardiomyopathy
• coronary artery disease
• heart valve disorders
• myocarditis
• pericarditis

According to the Mayo Clinic some of the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease are:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Facial numbness
• Weakness
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Chest discomfort

Despite the signs and symptom I have listed above, the only proper way to detect cardiovascular disease is through an evaluation from a health care professional and regular medical care. Early detection is very important as it will prevent serious complications from occurring.  Keep in mind that signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease may be very mild and/or vague so it is best to see a physician if you have questions or concerns.  Chest pain is not always an indicator…in fact, by the time you experience chest pain, you may have had a form cardiovascular disease for a long time.

According to the Mayo Clinic, certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can’t be prevented. However, you can help prevent some of the other types of heart disease by making lifestyle changes, such as:

• Quit smoking
• If applicable, control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
• Eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce and manage stress
• Limit alcohol consumption