Cardiovascular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, impacting their ability to function properly. These conditions can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. Here are key points about common cardiovascular disorders, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options:
Common Cardiovascular Disorders
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack.
Diagnosis: Electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, echocardiogram, coronary angiography, blood tests.
Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications (statins, beta-blockers, nitrates), angioplasty, stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; severe cases may cause headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds.
Diagnosis: Blood pressure measurement, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, blood tests.
Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics), regular monitoring.
Heart Failure:
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent cough.
Diagnosis: Physical examination, ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood tests (BNP/NT-proBNP).
Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics), implanted devices (pacemakers, defibrillators), heart transplant in severe cases.