Cardiovascular Disease

Overview

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common type is when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or strokes. It also includes other problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Yes, it is very common. Millions of people around the world live with some form of cardiovascular disease, and the risk increases with age.

CVD can affect adults of all ages, but the risk rises as you get older. Men often develop it earlier than women, while a woman's risk increases after menopause. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort (sometimes called angina)
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back
• A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Symptoms in children

• Feeding difficulties or poor weight gain
• Rapid breathing or breathlessness
• Blue or purple tint to the lips, skin, or nails
• Excessive tiredness during play or activity
• Fainting or fainting during exercise

Symptoms in older adults

• Unusual fatigue or confusion
• Shortness of breath with mild exertion or while resting
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Reduced ability to do daily activities
• Less typical chest discomfort that may feel like indigestion

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis: a build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the artery walls, which narrows the arteries and limits blood flow
• High blood pressure that damages the arteries' inner lining over time
• High cholesterol levels, leading to plaque formation
• Diabetes, which increases the risk of artery damage
• Smoking, which damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen in the blood
• Inflammation in the blood vessels

Risk factors

• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or having obesity
• An unhealthy diet high in salt, saturated fat, and added sugar
• Lack of physical activity
• A family history of early heart disease
• Increasing age
• Chronic stress or depression
• Excessive alcohol consumption

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have new chest pain or pressure, especially on exertion or with stress, contact your doctor or local health service urgently.
• If you experience sudden shortness of breath, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or new swelling in your legs, seek medical help the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are over 40 and have not had a heart health check, ask for one.
• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a close family history of heart disease, schedule a routine check-up.
• If you have concerns about your heart or are unsure about your risk, see your doctor for reassurance.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. They will also listen to your heart, check your pulse, measure your blood pressure, and look for any signs of swelling or circulation problems.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart's electrical activity
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound) to look at the heart's structure and pumping function
• Exercise stress test to see how your heart responds to physical activity
• Blood pressure measurement
• Sometimes a CT scan or coronary angiogram to look for blockages in the coronary arteries

What to expect at your appointment

Cardiovascular tests are usually quick and painless. You may have blood taken, sticky patches placed on your chest for an ECG, or you may walk on a treadmill. Your doctor will explain what each test involves, why it is being done, and what the results mean for you.

Treatment

Treatment for cardiovascular disease depends on the specific condition and how severe it is. The goals are to relieve symptoms, slow or stop the disease from getting worse, prevent complications like heart attack or stroke, and improve your quality of life. Treatment always includes lifestyle changes and may also involve medicines or procedures.

Self-care at home

• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed, even if you feel well
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Stay as physically active as your doctor advises
• Follow a heart-healthy eating plan
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, hobbies, or talking to someone you trust
• Limit alcohol intake
• Monitor your blood pressure at home if instructed

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or control an irregular heart rhythm. These are selected based on your individual condition and are not one-size-fits-all. It is important to take them as prescribed and talk to your doctor before stopping or changing anything. Some people also benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, which is a structured program of education and exercise.

When is surgery considered?

If arteries are severely narrowed, or if you have serious heart valve problems or heart failure, a procedure may be needed. This could include angioplasty (opening a blocked artery with a small balloon and often placing a stent), coronary artery bypass surgery, or valve repair or replacement. These options are discussed in detail with your heart specialist.

Living with this condition

Living with cardiovascular disease can feel challenging, but many people continue to lead full and active lives. The key is to stay involved in your care: attend appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and make healthy choices. It is also important to pace yourself and rest when you need to, while remaining as active as you safely can.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking and avoid tobacco
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range
• Reach or maintain a healthy weight
• Do regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, as recommended
• Reduce stress through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or talking to a counselor
• Limit salt, saturated fats, and added sugars
• Have regular check-ups with your doctor or nurse

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein such as fish or beans, and healthy fats like olive oil. Try to limit salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks. For exercise, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, but check with your doctor first about what is safe for you. Even brisk walking for 10–15 minutes at a time can make a difference.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious, stressed, or low after a heart diagnosis. These feelings can affect your recovery. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling, and consider speaking with a counselor or joining a support group. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please contact your local emergency number or crisis helpline immediately.

Prevention

Many cases of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or delayed. Even if you already have risk factors, making healthier choices can lower your chances of heart attack or stroke. It is never too early — or too late — to start.

Vaccines

Certain vaccines can reduce your risk of infections that affect the heart, such as flu and pneumococcal disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about recommended vaccinations.

Screening programmes

Screening for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can catch problems early before they cause damage. In the UK, adults aged 40 to 74 are offered a free NHS Health Check. Ask your local health service about what screening is available for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack, when a blocked artery cuts off blood flow to part of the heart
• Stroke, when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain
• Heart failure, when the heart cannot pump blood well enough to meet the body's needs
• Peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the limbs
• Kidney damage, often related to high blood pressure
• Serious abnormal heart rhythms, which can be life-threatening

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with cardiovascular disease is brighter than ever because of earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and improved prevention. Many people with CVD live long, productive, and satisfying lives. Your own outlook depends on the type of condition you have, how early it is found, and how well you and your healthcare team work together. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference.

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