Cardiovascular & Cardiometabolic Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that refers to a class of diseases that involve the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries). Cardiovascular diseases can range from conditions that affect the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) to those that impact the blood vessels (atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease) and the circulatory system as a whole.

Are Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Disease the Same?

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a broad term that refers to a class of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. It includes a range of conditions that impact the heart's structure and function, often leading to impaired blood flow, heart attacks, or other cardiovascular events. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD).

Heart disease and cardiovascular disease are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. Heart disease refers to any condition that affects the heart, while cardiovascular disease refers to any condition that affects the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, but also includes other conditions such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, and aortic disease.

What is Cardiometabolic Disease?

Cardiometabolic disease refers to a cluster of medical conditions that collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. This term encompasses a combination of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic abnormalities. Cardiometabolic disease is a serious health concern that affects millions of people worldwide.

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Components of Cardiometabolic Disease:

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1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): This includes conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart diseases.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: A chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance and impaired insulin production. Diabetes is a significant contributor to cardiovascular risk.

3. Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Components of metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and abnormal lipid levels (high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol).

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Cardiometabolic disease specifically highlights the intersection between metabolic issues and cardiovascular conditions. The emphasis is on the relationship between metabolic abnormalities (such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels) and cardiovascular diseases. 

Common Types of Cardiovascular and Cardiometabolic Disease.

Learn more about the common types of conditions related to cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease. Explore the cause, symptoms, and nutritional approaches to manage and prevent the conditions.