World Heart Day - Learn about Cardiovascular Disease ❤️
This World Heart Day, we aim to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Read on to learn what the signs and symptoms of CVD are and ways you can lower your risk of CVD.
Worldwide, CVD causes 1 in 3 deaths, so it is important to make small, steady changes to improve heart health.
What is CVD?
CVD, or cardiovascular diseases, are a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Other conditions like arrhythmia, deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, etc.
Over 20.5 million people die every year from cardiovascular diseases, 85% of which are from heart attacks and strokes.
Many heart diseases are preventable. Knowing the signs and symptoms is crucial for getting help and improving your heart health.
CVD signs and symptoms
CVD symptoms vary depending on the disease, but there are a few common ones you can all look out for:
- Chest pain, tightness, pressure and discomfort
- Pain, weakness or numbness in your legs, arms or both
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, shoulder, jaw and back
- Shortness of breath
- Easily tiring during exercise or activity
- Changes in your heart rhythm
- Abnormally fast or slow heartbeat
- Palpitations or fluttering in your chest
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Weakness or fatigue
- Swelling of the hands, legs, ankles or feet
- Fever
- Skin rashes or unusual spots
- Dry or persistent cough
CVD is easier to treat the earlier it's detected, so it's crucial to speak to your GP if you experience any of these symptoms.
Women may not always experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack. Instead, they may experience lesser-known symptoms. Heart attacks cause intense chest pain, pain in the left arm or jaw, and difficulty breathing. Women may experience pain that is more widely distributed across the shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen, and back. They may also feel anxious, nauseated, and dizzy, and experience heart palpitations and cold sweats.
Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack is important so you can get help as quickly as possible.
What can you do to improve your heart health?
A few simple changes can improve your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease;
- Know the warning signs - the earlier the symptoms are picked up the easier the condition is to treat
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet - unprocessed and fresh foods which are low in saturated fats, sugars and salt
- Maintain a healthy body weight - exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Manage stress - stress can make your arteries tighten. By practicing deep breathing, relaxing your muscles and doing things you enjoy you can reduce stress
- Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood pressure can help control the risk of developing CVD
- Exercise regularly with at least 150 mins a week for an adult
Want to know more?
Learn more about World Heart Day or the World Heart Federation.
Want to learn CPR or how to use a defibrillator? Check out our blog post What is a Defibrillator?