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Cardiovascular Disease
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Definition
Cardiovascular disease refers to disease or problems with the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system has two main components: the heart and the blood vessels. There are many terms that are associated with cardiovascular disease. Some of the terms used include coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
Description | Treatment Options | John Muir Health Capabilities | Related Links
Description
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer of individuals in the United States. Cardiovascular disease is used to describe a large number of diseases that affect the heart and/or blood vessels. Cardiac disease is also called heart disease as it affects the heart. This is a very general term as there are many diseases of the heart. Coronary artery disease affects the blood vessels that provide circulation to the heart muscle itself. Heart disease is a very general term used to indicate a problem with the heart. This term may indicate a problem with either the circulation or the muscle itself. Peripheral vascular or vascular disease in general refers to problems associated with blood vessels throughout the body. Build up of fatty deposits or hardening of the arteries in major blood vessels or in the legs causes slowing of the blood flow. This slowing results in inadequate circulation. This restricted circulation can cause kidney disease, poor healing sores on the legs or feet, and, if the neck and head arteries are involved, may cause a stroke. Cardiovascular disease is actually many diseases and individuals may have more than one condition. Doctors treating individuals with cardiovascular disease recognize that most common types of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or minimized. Recognized preventive measures include:
- Stop smoking
- Decrease fat in the diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Get regular checkups with healthcare provider
Treatment Options
How is cardiovascular disease treated?
Treatment options are specific to the disease and how the body reacts to the problem. Heart disease is treated differently than peripheral vascular disease. Diagnosis and evaluation of a problem begins with a comprehensive medical history. The history provides the doctor with information about symptoms and complaints. The doctor may order tests and procedures to identify problems associated with the complaint. Common tests that assist a doctor in diagnosing and planning care for cardiovascular problems include but are not limited to:
- Specific blood analysis to measure cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels; other components may be measured depending on health concerns identified during the evaluation
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) which provides a graphic outline of the electrical forces of the heart; also determines heart rate and rhythm and checks for signs of a heart attack
- Echocardiogram (Echo) to check structure and muscle function of the heart
- Chest x-ray evaluates heart size and checks for enlargement of large chest blood vessels like the aorta.
- An additional procedure that might be indicated based upon results of the medical evaluation and severity of symptoms is an angiogram.
An angiogram is a term that defines the outlining of blood vessels using movie film and an injection of a substance called a dye. The presence of abnormal or narrowed arteries is outlined. Cardiac catheterization is a type of angiogram used to outline the coronary arteries. This procedure evaluates the structure and function of the heart. A carotid angiogram is used to evaluate the blood vessels of the neck and head region. An aortic angiogram looks at the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. This angiogram looks for weak spots or a bulge in this major artery. There are additional angiograms that specifically check the blood supply to kidneys and legs.
The treatment for cardiovascular disease is specific to the disorder. Cardiac problems may be treated differently than vascular disease in the legs. A doctor or healthcare provider will direct the treatment based upon the diagnosis.
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health provides comprehensive cardiovascular services. John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus have state-of-the-art invasive and non-invasive diagnostic centers. These include:
- Non-invasive services that include EKG and Echocardiography Testing
- Nuclear Scan Suites
- Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography Laboratories available on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
- Cardiac Surgery Suites available on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
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