Brunel Health Group is exploring the development of a service to support patients after their first heart attack or stroke. It aims to offer tailored advice to reduce the risk of future hospital admissions and promote long-term recovery. This page tells you all about Cardiovascular disease.
What is Cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
It is often linked to fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis) and increased risk of blood clots. It can also damage organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Main Types of CVD
Coronary Heart Disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause:
- Angina (chest pain)
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
Stroke & TIA (Mini-Stroke): Blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Symptoms can be remembered with FAST:
- Face drooping
- Arms weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 999
Peripheral Arterial Disease: Blocked arteries in the legs may cause pain, numbness, or ulcers.
Aortic Disease: Conditions affecting the aorta, like aneurysms, which may silently pose serious risks.
Causes & Risk Factors of CVD
CVD is often linked to a build-up of fatty deposits in arteries and increased risk of blood clots. While the exact cause is not always clear, several risk factors raise your chances:
- High blood pressure- damages blood vessels.
- Smoking- harms and narrows arteries.
- High cholesterol- leads to narrowed arteries and clots.
- Diabetes- high blood sugar damages vessels.
- Kidney disease- increases risk of heart problems.
- Inactivity- contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Obesity- linked to diabetes and hypertension.
- Family history- especially if a close relative had heart issues before age 60.
- Ethnic background- South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean groups are at higher risk.
- Age & gender- risk increases with age; men are affected earlier.
- Unhealthy diet & alcohol- poor nutrition and excessive drinking raise your risk.
Preventing CVD
Many cases of CVD can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices:
- Stop smoking- NHS support and medication can help. Many pharmacies also offer a local smoking cessation service.
- Eat a balanced diet- low in saturated fat, salt, and sugar; rich in fibre, fruit, and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly- aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Maintain a healthy weight- combine diet and exercise; seek GP support if needed.
- Limit alcohol- no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days.
- Take prescribed medication- such as statins, if advised by your GP.
