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Cardiovascular Disease - Information about Cardiovascular Disease Heart cardiovascular-disease.or... | Screening For Cardiovascular Disease | Cardiovascular Disease Prevention cardiovasculardiseaseprev... | & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman : Cardiovascular Disease : Disease... diseaseproof.com | Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta - Cardiovascular Disease libin.ucalgary.ca |
Cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular diseases is the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). [1] While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system (as used in MeSH), it is usually used to refer to those related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease). These conditions have similar causes, mechanisms, and treatments. In practice, cardiovascular disease is treated by cardiologists, thoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, neurologists, and interventional radiologists, depending on the organ system that is being treated. There is considerable overlap in the specialties, and it is common for certain procedures to be performed by different types of specialists in the same hospital. Most countries face high and increasing rates of cardiovascular disease. Each year, heart disease kills more Americans than cancer.[2] It is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries (data available through 2005). A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.[3][4] By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking.
[edit] BiomarkersSome biomarkers are thought to offer a more detailed risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical value of these biomarkers is questionable.[5] Currently, biomarkers which may reflect a higher risk of cardiovascular disease include:
[edit] AwarenessDespite the success of the Dean Ornish studies in the eighties and nineties, most people and doctors are still unaware of the extensive research showing that stress reduction and diet can prevent, eliminate, and reduce nearly all forms of heart disease. At the same time many people rely on medications (such as aspirin) which may decrease certain risk factors such as heart attacks, but increase others such as hemorrhaging, and in the end often have no impact on long term morbidity. [edit] Dietary FactorsIn his book "The Heart Healthy Program", the cardiologist Dr Richard M. Fleming has identified several key dietary factors that can lower the risk of heart disease, including:
[edit] TreatmentUnlike many other chronic medical conditions, Cardiovascular disease is treatable and reversible, even after a long history of disease. Treatment is primarily focused on diet and stress reduction.[4] [7] [8] [9] [10] [edit] Starts YoungPopulation based studies in the youth show that the precursors of heart disease start in adolescence. The process of atherosclerosis evolves over decades, and begins as early as childhood. The Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth Study demonstrated that intimal lesions appear in all the aortas and more than half of the right coronary arteries of youths aged 7–9 years. However, most adolescents are more concerned about other risks such as HIV, accidents, and cancer than cardiovascular disease.[11] This is extremely important considering that 1 in 3 people will die from complications attributable to atherosclerosis. In order to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease, primary prevention is needed. Primary prevention starts with education and awareness that cardiovascular disease poses the greatest threat and measures to prevent or reverse this disease must be taken [edit] DetectionPlatelet and Fibrin complexes can be seen with the technique of dark field microscopy. They are much bigger than red blood cells and easily block capillaries. These complexes are clearly visible in dark field but not in stained bright field samples because the different staining methods disburse them. However, they are not visible in unstained blood smears. This method of early detection allows to identify people at risk and take appropriate measures. [edit] Types of cardiovascular diseases
[edit] ResearchThe first studies on cardiovascular health were performed in 1949 by Jerry Morris (physician) using occupational health data and were published in 1958.[12] The causes, prevention, and/or treatment of all forms of cardiovascular disease remain active fields of biomedical research, with hundreds of scientific studies being published on a weekly basis. A fairly recent emphasis is on the link between low-grade inflammation that hallmarks atherosclerosis and its possible interventions. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that may be present in increased levels in the blood in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. Its exact role in predicting disease is the subject of debate. Some areas currently being researched include possible links between infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae and coronary artery disease. The Chlamydia link has become less plausible with the absence of improvement after antibiotic use.[13] [edit] Associated diagnostic markers
[edit] See also[edit] References
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