Heart disease or cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and in Mexico, they have held the number one spot for more than three decades. As a result, efforts have been initiated to prevent and address these conditions in a timely manner.
What Does Cardiovascular Mean?
The term cardiovascular refers to the system composed of the heart and blood vessels, which are responsible for pumping and distributing blood throughout the entire body. It is an essential system for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones, as well as for eliminating metabolic waste.
Heart diseases represent one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally.
Cardiovascular Risk
Heart disease is considered present when there is total or partial damage to the heart, when there is a problem with the blood vessels leading to or from the heart, or when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen or nutrients to the heart.
These problems can be due to genetic factors or lifestyle factors, as well as other medical conditions.
Smoking, high alcohol intake, stress, unhealthy dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle are examples of situations that can lead to cardiovascular disease. However, these are modifiable factors, whereas age and family history are important considerations about which little can be done.
As mentioned, it is crucial to recognize that these diseases can be prevented starting in childhood, as they are linked to modifiable factors such as obesity, overweight, physical inactivity, and excess lipids. Along with many other factors, these lead to the four most common conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking.
Cardiovascular Diseases
In many cases, heart conditions can occur without pain or obvious symptoms and can even present as multiple conditions simultaneously—which is why seeking care from a medical specialist is of paramount importance.
Among the most common heart diseases are:
- Heart Failure: Occurs when there is an imbalance between the body’s demands and the heart’s capacity to pump blood.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Due to the narrowing of the arterioles, the heart must work harder to fulfill its function, resulting in increased pressure within the blood vessels.
- Excess Cholesterol: Occurs when a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol or other deposits builds up on arterial walls, potentially blocking blood flow.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Caused by the blockage of an artery, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to heart cells and resulting in cell death.
- Angina Pectoris: Caused by an obstruction in the coronary arteries, preventing necessary blood flow to the heart.
- Arrhythmias: An alteration in the rate or regularity of a person’s normal heartbeat; they typically occur as a consequence of another cardiovascular disease.
At the Cardiovascular Center at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Contact us today!
