Cardiovascular Disorders: When the Heart and Blood Vessels Fail

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, affecting millions of people and encompassing various conditions that impair heart and blood vessel function. Understanding these disorders helps recognize symptoms and risk factors while emphasizing the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. This atherosclerotic process develops over decades, gradually reducing blood flow to the heart. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history, and sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart attack. CAD can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Heart failure develops when the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. This condition can result from various causes including previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, valve problems, or cardiomyopathy. Contrary to its name, heart failure doesn't mean the heart stops—rather, it becomes less efficient. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs and ankles, and difficulty lying flat. Treatment involves medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes devices or surgery.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects nearly half of all adults and often develops without symptoms, earning it the nickname "silent killer." Blood pressure readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg indicate hypertension. This condition forces the heart to work harder and damages blood vessels throughout the body, increasing risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Management typically involves dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction, and often medications.

Stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and age. The acronym FAST helps recognize stroke symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Rapid treatment can minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.

Arrhythmias involve abnormal heart rhythms that can range from harmless to life-threatening. Common types include atrial fibrillation (irregular, rapid heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and tachycardia (fast heart rate). Some people experience palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort, while others have no symptoms. Treatment depends on the type and severity, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medications, procedures, or devices like pacemakers.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves blood clots forming in deep veins, usually in the legs. Risk factors include prolonged immobility, surgery, pregnancy, certain medications, and inherited clotting disorders. Symptoms may include leg pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. The primary concern is pulmonary embolism—when clots break loose and travel to the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when arteries in the limbs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to arms or legs. This condition often affects the legs, causing cramping pain during walking (claudication) that improves with rest. Risk factors are similar to those for coronary artery disease. Treatment focuses on improving circulation through exercise, medications, and sometimes procedures to open blocked arteries.

Valve disorders can affect any of the heart's four valves, causing them to either not open properly (stenosis) or not close completely (regurgitation). These conditions can be congenital, develop with age, or result from infections or other diseases. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or heart murmurs detected during examination. Treatment ranges from monitoring to surgical valve repair or replacement.