Introduction to Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases encompass a range of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. They often begin with chest pain, clinically called angina, which can signal more serious conditions such as a heart attack.

Chest Pain, Angina, and Heart Attack

Angina is caused by myocardial infarction, the medical term for a heart attack. Heart attacks occur when coronary arteries narrow or become blocked, preventing the heart from receiving enough blood. An overworked heart that cannot pass blood properly may also lead to a heart attack.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries caused by plaque buildup over time. The plaque constricts the artery, hindering free blood flow and potentially leading to blockage, chest pain, and heart attack. The term combines “sclerosis” (hardening) with “athro” (arteries).

Ischemia

Ischemia refers to the restriction of oxygen‑rich blood flow to the heart. When blood flow is limited, ischemia can progress to a heart attack.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Patients often describe chest pain as a squeezing sensation that may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Associated symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. Chest pain complaints should always be taken seriously.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension results from narrowing of the arteries, frequently due to atherosclerotic plaque. The heart must work harder to push blood through these restricted vessels, increasing the risk of further problems. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, and coronary artery disease.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD mirrors atherosclerosis, involving the buildup of fat and cholesterol (plaque) that narrows arteries. This narrowing leads to ischemia, restricting blood flow to heart tissue. Risk factors are a high‑fat diet, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a balloon‑like bulge within the wall of an artery. It can remain undetected for years until symptoms appear. Atherosclerosis is a known cause, and the same risk factors that affect other arterial diseases apply.

Congestive Heart Failure

In congestive heart failure, the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively, leading to diminished cardiac performance. Risk factors include a high‑fat diet, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

MVP occurs when the mitral valve does not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward (regurgitation). This backflow produces a swishing sound instead of the normal “lub‑dub.” Causes may be unknown or hereditary, and symptoms can include shortness of breath or irregular heart rhythms (palpitations).

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is caused by blood clots forming within the veins of the legs. Risk factors include paralysis, cancer, hormone replacement therapy, a sedentary lifestyle, and being bedridden.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, and abnormal heart sounds are key symptoms that prompt further diagnostic evaluation. Accurate diagnosis relies on recognizing these signs and understanding the underlying mechanisms such as plaque buildup, arterial narrowing, and valve dysfunction.