Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a term used to describe medical conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, which include:

Aortic disease
Blood vessels in the brain
Congenital heart disease
Coronary artery disease
Deep vein thrombosis
Heart failure
Heart rhythm disorders
Heart valve disease
Peripheral artery disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the worldwide leading cause of death, and it affects people of every race, sex, and socioeconomic level. While CVD can affect people at any age, the frequency and mortality of CVD increases with age.

The main causes of heart disease include:

Lifestyle factors – Smoking, excessive alcohol use, illegal drug use, obesity, lack of exercise, and a poor diet.
Age – CVD is a disease of aging.
Gender – Men are more likely to develop CVD at a younger age.
Underlying medical conditions – Sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, and genetic disorders.
Environmental – Air pollution and climate change.

Risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include:

Family history of heart disease
Lifestyle choices – Smoking and vaping, illegal drug use, excessive alcohol use
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Lack of physical activity
High salt diet and ultra processed food
Genetic predisposition to CVD
Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart related issues include:

Angina (chest pain)
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue
Pressure or chest discomfort
Shortness of breath

Symptoms of blood vessel related issues include:

Brain

Blurred or vision loss
Confusion
Dizziness
Loss of feeling or paralysis in an arms or legs particularly on one side
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headache

Aorta

Light headedness
Pain in the back or side
Poor circulation in the feet
Stroke
Throbbing in the belly

Legs

Pain or cramps when walking
Sores that do not heal

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye that is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Chest X-Ray

This test uses a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of the heart.

Treatments

The treatment options depend on the medical condition(s) which cause the patient’s cardiovascular disease. A comprehensive list of the cardiovascular treatments offered by MedStar Health physicians can be found here.

Related services

Cardiology

Emergency Medicine

Heart and Vascular

Heart Failure

Pharmacy

Primary Care

Structural Heart and Valve Disease Treatments

Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.

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