OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIOSUN TEACHING HOSPITAL

NAME: OYELAMI VINCENT

IFEOLUWA
QUESTION: MAKE A
PRESENTATION ON
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(CVD)

TOPIC: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a medical condition that affects the heart and blood
vessels, and is the leading cause of mortality worldwide.

They include:
1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): When the blood flow to the heart is blocked,
causing damage to the heart muscle.
2. Valvular Heart Disease: Damage or defects in the heart valves, affecting blood flow
and pressure in the heart, leading to conditions like mitral regurgitation or aortic
stenosis.
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): When the blood pressure in the arteries is too
high, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
4. Angina: Chest pain or discomfort when the heart muscle doesn't get enough
oxygen-rich blood.
5. Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to hardening and
narrowing of the arteries.
6. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): When the blood vessels in the legs and arms
become narrowed or blocked.
7. Heart Failure: When the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
8. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular
tachycardia.
9. Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle, leading to thickening or weakening
of the heart.
10. Congenital Heart Disease: Heart defects present at birth, such as holes in the heart
or abnormal heart valves.
11. Varicose Veins: Enlarged and twisted veins, often in the legs.
12. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or arms.
13. Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks a blood
vessel.
14. Rheumatic Heart Disease: Damage to the heart valves and muscle from rheumatic
fever.
15. Cardiac Arrest: When the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to an electrical
malfunction.

These are just a few examples of cardiovascular diseases. There are many more
conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Several health conditions, lifestyle, age, and family history can increase the risk of
heart disease. These risk factors include:

- High blood pressure

- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Alcohol consumption

Causes and Risk Factors

The development of cardiovascular diseases is influenced by a combination of

genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Family history can significantly increase the risk of CVD.
2. Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugar
can contribute to heart disease.
3. Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise can lead to obesity, hypertension, and
other health issues.
4. Tobacco Use: Smoking damages blood vessels and heart tissue.
5. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and lead to
heart failure.
6. Comorbid Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels are significant
risk factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases vary depending on the specific condition but

commonly include:

• Chest Pain (Angina): A feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during physical activity or while resting.
• Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or the sensation of a racing heart.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, especially during physical exertion.
• Swelling: Particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup.
Diagnosis

Diagnosing cardiovascular diseases involves a combination of physical examinations,

patient history, and diagnostic tests:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.

2. Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart.
3. Stress Tests: Evaluate heart function under physical exertion.
4. Blood Tests: Check for markers of heart disease.
5. Angiography: Uses X-ray imaging to view blood vessels.

Prevention

Preventing cardiovascular diseases requires a multifaceted approach focusing on

lifestyle changes and medical interventions:

1. Healthy Diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while
reducing intake of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar.
2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise
per week.
3. Smoking Cessation: Avoiding tobacco use in any form.
4. Alcohol Moderation: Limiting alcohol intake to recommended levels.
5. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
6. Regular Health Screenings: Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose
levels.

Treatment

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases depends on the specific condition and its

severity:

1. Medications: Including antihypertensives, statins, anticoagulants, and beta-

blockers.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, exercise, and stress management.
3. Surgical Interventions: Such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, or implantation of
pacemakers and defibrillators.
Dietary Changes to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
A healthy diet can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Here are some dietary
changes you can make:

1. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least 5 servings a day.
2. Choose whole grains: Whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Examples include brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pasta.
3. Include lean protein: Choose lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, lentils,
and low-fat dairy products.
4. Limit unhealthy fats: Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as red
meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed snacks.
5. Limit sodium: Consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks.
7. Limit alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
8. Healthy Snacking: Healthy snacking can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
9. Watch portion sizes: Eating large portions can lead to weight gain and increase
the risk of heart disease.

Foods to Eat
Here are some foods that can help prevent cardiovascular disease:

- Oily fish: Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
which can help lower triglycerides and blood pressure.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are rich in
healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Avocados: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, which can help
lower blood pressure.
- Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in
antioxidants and fiber.
- Leafy greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants.

Foods to Limit
Here are some foods that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease:

- Processed foods: Example processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are
high in sodium and preservatives.
- Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are high in
calories and sugar.
- Refined carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and sugary
snacks can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Saturated and trans fats: Saturated and trans fats can increase the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Limit foods high in these fats, such as red meat, full-fat dairy
products, and processed snacks.

Healthy Eating Patterns

Several healthy eating patterns can help prevent cardiovascular disease. These
include:

1. Mediterranean Diet: Focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and
healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil.
2. DASH Diet: Emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat
dairy products.
3. Plant-Based Diet: Focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, with an
emphasis on plant-based protein sources.

Meal Planning
Here are some tips for meal planning to prevent cardiovascular disease:

●Plan your meals: Plan your meals for the week, and make a grocery list to help you
stay on track.
●Cook at home: Cooking at home can help you control the ingredients and portion
sizes of your meals.
●Use herbs and spices: Use herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals, instead of
salt and sugar.
●Limit eating out: Limit eating out, and choose healthy options when you do eat out.
●Read labels: Read food labels, and choose products that are low in sodium, added
sugars, and saturated fats.