Introduction
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) is the number one cause of death globally. According to WHO, cardiovascular disease is the name for the group of disorders of heart and blood vessels, and include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coronary heart disease: It is a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscles (heart attack)
- Cerebrovascular disease: It is a disease of blood vessels supplying the brain. (stroke)
- Peripheral vascular disease: It is a disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs.
- Heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease: It is the damage of heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria.
- Congenital heart disease: Malformations of heart structure existing at birth.
- Cardiomyopathy
Global Scenario by WHO
- Most of the deaths due to Cardiovascular diseases take place in low and middle income countries.
- About 17.7 million people dies from CVDs in 2015, representing 31% of all global deaths.
- Most CVDs can be prevented by modifying certain risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol into healthy habits.
Blockage of vessels flowing to heart or brain causes heart attack and strokes.
Signs and symptoms of heart attack (CDC)
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling weak, light-headed or faint.