7 Cardiovascular Disease

Module Overview

In this module, you will learn about the types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), identify the risk factors associated with CVD, describe strategies to prevent CVD, and assess personal risk for developing CVD.

Module Objectives

  1. Identify the types of CVD
  2. Identify risk factors associated with CVD
  3. Describe strategies to prevent CVD

Cardiovascular Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) define cardiovascular disease as a collective term used to describe various conditions of the heart, including the structure, function, blood vessels, and electrical system. CVD is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about 655,000 deaths each year (CDC, 2020). Some risk factors associated with CVD, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled. However, many risk factors are related to lifestyle behaviors we have control over. Thus, it is important to stay active, eat healthy, and manage our stress levels in order to prevent CVD. Next, we will take a look at the risk factors in greater detail.

CVD Risk Factors

Non-modifiable Risk Factors:

  • Age– As a person ages, there is higher risk for CVD. Blood vessels become less flexible and more fatty deposits develop with age.
  • Sex– Males are higher risk for CVD. Females seem to develop higher risk post-menopause. Higher amounts of estrogen in females may contribute to better cholesterol profile.
  • Race/Ethnicity- Some groups are more likely to have conditions that increase the risk of developing CVD. The American Heart Association (2015) states African American have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Family History- This can be one of the strongest predictors of CVD. Genes can be passed from generations, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related conditions (CDC, 2019).

Modifiable Risk Factors:

  • High Cholesterol- Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like, substance made by the liver or found in certain foods (typically higher in trans or saturated fat). Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, make vitamins, and other hormones; however, excess cholesterol can lead to narrowing of the arteries.
  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)- “bad” cholesterol, can lead to plaque formation in arteries
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)- “good” cholesterol, helps transport cholesterol out of arteries
  • High Triglycerides- Triglycerides are fats from the foods we eat that circulate in the blood. High levels of triglycerides, combined with high LDL/low HDL, can increase plaque formation in arteries.
  • Hypertension/High Blood Pressure- causes damage to blood vessel walls. May also cause rupture → major cause of stroke
  • Cigarette Smoking- Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can do to prevent CVD. Toxins from smoking damage blood vessel walls → increase plaque formation. Smoking has been shown to increase blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL.
  • Diabetes- Type II Diabetes is associated with excess glucose (sugar) in blood. Excess sugar causes damage to linings of arteries → arteries respond by layering plaque
  • Physical Inactivity- Regular physical activity (a goal of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week) has been associated with better glucose profiles, as well as decreases in LDL, triglycerides, hypertension, and obesity.

Know Your Numbers

  • Blood Pressure– Normal blood pressure is classified as a systolic pressure (upper number) < 120 and a diastolic pressure (lower number) < 80. Hypertension stage 1 is defined as 130-139 systolic over 80-89 diastolic. Hypertension stage 2 is defined as ≥ 140 systolic over ≥ 90 (American Heart Association, 2021).
  • Cholesterol- The CDC (2020) recommends healthy adults have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Total cholesterol goal is < 200, LDL < 100, and HDL ≥ 60.
  • Triglycerides- Goal < 150

Major Types of Cardiovascular Disease

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)- Also referred to as Coronary Heart Disease, caused by atherosclerosis in arteries that supply blood to the heart. Atherosclerosis refers to the build-up of plaque in the inner artery wall.

2. Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction- Damage, or death, to cardiac muscle tissue caused by blockage in coronary artery. A heart attack occurs in the U.S. about every 40 seconds (CDC, 2020). Seek immediate medical care if signs/symptoms occur.

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3. Arrhythmia- A change in the normal pattern of the heartbeat that may result in heart rate that is too fast, too slow, or irregular pattern. Arrhythmias are caused by an abnormality in the heart’s electrical conduction system, which may be a result of heart attack, scarring in cardiac tissue, blocked arteries, hypertension, drug use/smoking, caffeine, stress/anxiety, medications/supplements (CDC, 2020).

4. Congestive Heart Failure- Condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. Blood can become backed up in veins causing fluid accumulation.

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5. Stroke– Caused by an impeded blood supply to the brain. Stroke is preventable and treatable. Stroke kills nearly 150,000 of the 860,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year (CDC, 2020). There are two major types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke—when the blood supply to the brain is blocked

• Hemorrhagic stroke—when a blood vessel in the brain bursts

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Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

There are many healthy lifestyle behaviors we can choose in order to decrease our risk for cardiovascular disease. A healthy lifestyle can help can help keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal (CDC, 2020).

  • Choose healthy foods and drinks
  • Decrease intake of saturated fat and trans fat, as well as processed foods. Frozen meals and snack foods (chips, cookies) are two common examples of processed foods. These types of foods typically contain additives, which could make the product a less healthy option.
  • Increase intake of fruit and vegetables, as well as fiber intake. Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are a good source of fiber.
  • Limit salt/sodium in your diet to help lower blood pressure.
  • Limit sugar in your diet to help prevent diabetes and control blood sugar levels.
  • Limit alcohol intake. The CDC (2020) recommends women should have no more than 1 drink per day and men should have no more than 2 drinks per day.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Overweight and obesity are associated with a greater risk for CVD. A Body Mass Index of 18.5-24.9 falls within the healthy weight range. You can access the CDC (2020) body mass index calculator in order to assess your body weight: Assessing Your Weight
  • Stay active
  • Physical activity is associated with a wide range of health benefits including improvements in mental health, aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, bone health, body composition, sleep, and balance/mobility (CDC, 2020). Current physical activity recommendations include 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week), or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity per week.

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  • Don’t smoke
  • Quitting smoking, or not smoking, is one of the single most important strategies you can choose to decrease your risk of CVD. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States (CDC, 2020).image

References

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