Undetected Cardiovascular Disease – Look Out!
The Dangers of Undetected Cardiovascular Diseases
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease isn’t actually a specific disease within itself. It’s a term used for any conditions that will affect either your heart or blood vessels leading to the heart. However, it can also apply to other organs in your body such as your kidneys and brain.
In the UK, the disease is on the rise and is one of the main causes of both disability and death. Today we are going to highlight what causes these diseases and how these conditions can sometimes go undetected.
These Diseases and Causes?
There are four main areas when it comes to cardiovascular diseases and they are:-
• Coronary heart diseases
• Strokes
• Peripheral arterial diseases
• Aortic disease
They may all differ from one another, but the causes for each of the diseases is mutual. Smoking is a big factor, as we are all aware. There are dozens of harmful substances that are found in tobacco and a handful of these will damage and narrow your blood vessels.
A lack of physical exercise in combination with being overweight can also be major contributing factors. Research has found that if you have a Body Mass Index over 25, you are at an increased risk of developing one of these cardiovascular diseases.
Having a large waist circumference can increase your risk of Cardiovascular diseases. You are also at risk of other conditions such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of Heart attack and Stroke. By improving your lifestyle and your blood pressure, you are reducing your risk of these conditions. https://inhousehealth.co.uk/danger-high-blood-pressure/
Why Can Cardiovascular Disease Go Undetected?
You can be totally physically healthy and still find yourself at an increased risk of developing one of these diseases. That could be down to one of your family members having been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. This is always an avenue worth checking should you find yourself with increased blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
More people than ever before are dying with no logical explanation through a heart attack or another cardiovascular disease. These are what are referred to as inherited cardiac conditions and people of all ages are at risk.
So how do we know how much at risk we are? If your parents had a faulty gene or a heart condition, essentially, you’re 50:50 as to whether you will inherit the said disease.
Are There Tests That Can Be Done?
Thankfully due to advancements in technology, there are tests that can look for and detect these hidden diseases. These include what is called an ECG or Electrocardiogram. This will look for any abnormalities when it comes to the rhythm of your heart. This can also be done in conjunction with what is called an exercise stress test. As the name suggests, you are tested during exercise to see just how much stress your heart comes under.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this blog today has taught you a few things you might not have known before about cardiovascular diseases and how they can be undetectable. If you have had parents with heart problems, you should certainly get yourself checked out by your local doctor.