What Are the Different Types of Cardiovascular Diseases?

At the mention of a heart disease the general assumption is to do with heart failure or heart attack. These are not the only things that can go wrong with this all important internal organ in the human body. There are different types of cardiovascular disease. Some deal with the heart itself, others with the entire circulatory system including the blood vessels. Over here we take a brief look at a few of the more common types of cardiovascular disease.

What Are the Different Types of Cardiovascular Diseases?

Four main types of cardiovascular disease

The class of diseases which involve the blood vessels and the heart are called cardiovascular diseases. There are four main types of such heart related disorders.

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Small vessel disease
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral arterial disease or PAD

Coronary artery disease is caused by thebuildup of plaque in the arteries which supply blood to the heart. As the blood flow through these partially blocked arteries slows down the supply of fresh blood to the heart muscle the result can be chest pain and finally heart attack.

Small vessel disease occurs when the plaque buildup increase in the smaller blood vessels of the heart. This tends to weaken the heart muscle and can cause chest pain during the time a person exercises. It is not immediately life threatening but over time as the plaque buildup increases, can become so.

Stroke occurs when the brain does not get blood supply. Any artery which carries blood to the brain becoming blocked can lead to a stroke. This can cause damage to the brain which may be temporary if blood flow is resumed or permanent if the blood flow is interrupted for a very long time period. Depending on the part of the brain affected the person may lose sight, ability to move limbs and even speak.

Peripheral arterial disease or PAD is also associated with plaque buildup in the arteries, but these are specifically the arteries which supply blood to the limbs. As the blood supply to the arms and or legs is affected a certain numbness or pain can be felt in them. There is also a possibility of an infection in the limbs in PAD.

Preventing different types of cardiovascular disease

From the descriptions of the four common types of cardiovascular disease it is obvious that plaque buildup in the blood vessels is the essential enemy. To ensure the health of your health and the circulatory system it is essential to see that this kind of fatty deposit does not pollute the insides of your blood vessels.

In order to do so you need to make some life style changes that will allow you to reduce your weight, lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and control your blood sugar. This is done by regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and regular checkups. You can also add supplements to the diet, manage your anxiety and stress levels better, and quit smoking to help your heart.