Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (or disorders) refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). These conditions have similar causes, mechanisms, and treatments.

Prevention

Attempts to prevent cardiovascular disease take the form of modifying risk factors. Some, such as gender, age, and family history, cannot be modified. Smoking cessation (or abstinence) is one of the most effective and easily modifiable changes. Also important is a low-fat, low-calorie diet, which helps one to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) and preventing obesity. Regular cardiovascular exercise (aerobic exercise) complements the healthful eating habits. Sometimes, the combination of diet and exercise will improve lipoprotein (cholesterol) levels; if not, a physician may prescribe "cholesterol-lowering" drugs, such as the statins. These medications have additional protective benefits aside from their lipoprotein profile improvement. Aspirin may also be prescribed, as it has been shown to decrease the clot formation that may lead to myocardial infarctions and strokes; it is routinely prescribed for patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors.

Related Topics:
Body mass index - Cardiovascular exercise - Aerobic exercise - Statin - Aspirin

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In May 2003 experts in Circulation (Journal of the American Heart Association) wrote that eating oily fish at least twice a week may help reduce the risk of sudden death from a heart attack. So does flaxseed oil which is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that block dangerous irregular heart rhythms. Studies of individual heart cells showed that the fatty acids blocked excessive sodium and calcium currents in the heart, which could otherwise cause dangerous, unpredictable changes in its rhythm.

Related Topics:
2003 - American Heart Association - Oily fish - Heart attack - Flaxseed oil - Omega-3 fatty acids - Sodium - Calcium - Heart

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