Definition
Cardiovascular diseases are a group of diseases affecting the heart and / or blood vessels. Although this definition makes any morbid process affecting the cardiovascular system (heart disease + vascular disease) fall into the category, in common parlance it generally refers to the various pathologies related to atherosclerosis.
In the family of cardiovascular pathologies all congenital heart defects, rheumatic diseases involving myocardium, various forms of arrhythmias, pathologies affecting the heart valves and heart failure are also included.
Epidemiology
On a global level, and in particular in countries with a typically Western lifestyle, cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of death. The diseases associated with atherosclerosis seen above contribute to this sad record, the appearance of which is favored by a lifestyle increasingly characterized by the abuse of smoking, alcohol and drugs, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet that is not very careful to satisfy, without excess, the real needs of the organism.
Insights
Considering the vastness of the topic, for those wishing to learn more, here are the links to the various articles on the site relating to cardiovascular diseases:
The cardiovascular system
Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis
Coronary and coronary artery disease
Ischemic heart disease
Heart attack
Angina pectoris
Stroke
Thrombus and thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Heart murmur
Aortic aneurysm
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Sports activity and cardiovascular pathologies
