CVD

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It includes coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke and transient ischemic attack), peripheral artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. CVD is a leading cause of death worldwide.

Coronary artery disease arises from atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Cerebrovascular disease involves ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Peripheral artery disease affects limb blood flow, typically in the legs. Heart failure results from structural or functional heart problems, while arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can disrupt effective pumping.

Risk factors are divided into non-modifiable (age, sex, family history) and modifiable (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet). Socioeconomic factors and chronic kidney disease also contribute to risk.

Pathophysiology centers on atherosclerosis, with plaque buildup in arterial walls that can rupture and trigger thrombosis. Reduced blood flow, myocardial injury, or rhythm disturbances underlie many CVD events.

Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with tests such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, stress testing, imaging (CT or MRI), and laboratory markers (lipids, glucose, troponin) to identify disease and assess risk.

Prevention and treatment emphasize lifestyle modification and risk factor control. Medications (statins, antiplatelets, antihypertensives, glucose-lowering drugs) and procedures (stents, coronary artery bypass grafting) are used as appropriate.

CVD remains a major global health burden. Public health strategies aim to reduce risk factors, promote early detection, and improve access to care to lower mortality and disability. In other fields, CVD is also used to denote chemical vapor deposition, a materials science process.