Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) encompass a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, representing the leading cause of death globally. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque buildup narrows arteries supplying the heart, leading to heart attacks.

Key types include coronary heart disease (blood vessel disease supplying the heart), cerebrovascular disease (brain blood vessel disease), peripheral arterial disease (arm/leg blood vessel disease), rheumatic heart disease (valve damage from rheumatic fever), congenital heart disease (birth defects), and deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism (blood clots). Heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disorders (stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse) also fall under CVDs.

Heart attacks and strokes are acute events caused by blockages preventing blood flow to the heart or brain, primarily from fatty deposit buildup on inner blood-vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Strokes can also result from brain vessel bleeding or clots.

Major risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet (high salt/trans fats, low fruits/vegetables), air pollution, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, harmful alcohol use, and socioeconomic deprivation. In India, CVDs cause 45% of deaths among people aged 40–69 years.