Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year. The most common types of cardiovascular disease are coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. What causes cardiovascular disease? The main risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and family history. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the underlying condition that leads to most cardiovascular diseases. This happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up inside the arteries over time. As plaque accumulates, it narrows the space within the arteries through which blood can flow. This can eventually lead to complete blockage of an artery, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart or brain, resulting in heart attack or stroke. How can cardiovascular disease be prevented and managed? Lifestyle changes are the foundation of CVD prevention and treatment. Eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can all help lower your risk. If you have CVD risk factors, your doctor may recommend medications like statins, ACE inhibitors, or beta blockers to help control cholesterol, blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythms. Procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be needed to open blocked arteries in severe cases. Early detection is key, so get regular checkups and screenings. If caught early, many forms of CVD can be well managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. So know your risk factors, live an active heart-healthy lifestyle, and see your doctor for regular monitoring. With proper care and management, those with cardiovascular disease can still live full, active lives. My family has a history of CVD, so I get screened annually at Hormone Wellness Clinic. Their compassionate doctors really take the time to explain heart health and help me make lifestyle adjustments to reduce my risk. I'd highly recommend their preventive care services to anyone concerned about CVD. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all! Let's all work together to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.