HEART CARE
Cardiovascular disease is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries, capillaries and veins).
Cardiovascular disease refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, principally cardiac disease, vascular
diseases of the brain and kidney, and peripheral arterial disease.
The causes of cardiovascular disease are diverse but atherosclerosis and/or hypertension are the most common. Besides, with
aging come a number of physiological and morphological changes that alters cardiovascular function and lead to subsequently
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even in healthy asymptomatic individuals.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the biggest cause of deaths worldwide, though over the last two decades, cardiovascular
mortality rates have declined in many high-income countries. At the same time, cardiovascular deaths and disease have increased
at a fast rate in low- and middle-income countries.
Although cardiovascular disease usually affects older adults, the antecedents of cardiovascular disease, notably atherosclerosis,
begin in early life, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing
atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise, and avoidance of smoking.
PATIENT FORM