What Cardiovascular Disease is

Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of diseases that affect your heart or blood vessels.

Heart disease is a term that's often used inter tangibly with cardiovascular disease, but whatever you call it, almost half-a-million Americans die from it each year. Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of diseases that affect your heart or blood vessels. Now some of the diseases that fall under this category are coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease and arrhythmias. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when the coronary arteries become hardened and narrow, due to plaque build up. Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack and angina. Angina is the chest pain or discomfort a person feels, when their heart is not getting enough blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people reduce their risk for heart disease by preventing or controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, and managing their diabetes properly. In addition, not smoking or quitting smoking is recommended as well as moderate alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight and getting proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Learn more about heart disease or share your story or experience with Icyou.