Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is an umbrella term covering diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and more.
CVD arises when plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them. This is called atherosclerosis. It can lead to ischemia (reduced blood flow) and heart attacks. Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Genetics and age also play a role.
Symptoms depend on the type of CVD but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, and swelling in the legs. However, some people experience no symptoms until a serious event like a heart attack. That's why regular cardiovascular screening is so important.
If caught early, many types of CVD are preventable and treatable through lifestyle changes and medication. For example, controlling risk factors via improved diet, more exercise, smoking cessation, and use of statins/ACE inhibitors where appropriate. If plaque ruptures, urgent intervention may be needed via stents, bypass surgery or transfemoral carcialization.
At Harmony Hormone Center, we also look at how imbalanced hormones like low testosterone, high cortisol and insulin resistance can negatively impact heart health over time. Our integrative treatments combine standard CVD care with customized hormone optimization therapy to help patients achieve full-body health and vitality.
Want to learn more about keeping your ticker ticking? Book a free 20-minute consult with one of our cardiac health experts today! We'll assess your risk factors, biomarkers and lifestyle to offer science-backed solutions for supporting cardiovascular wellness as you age.