Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death both globally and in Malta.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors
Non-Modifiable risk factors: age, gender and family history.
Modifiable risk factors: high cholesterol, high BP, diabetes, smoking, being overweight or obese, living an inactive lifestyle, excessive alcohol and excessive stress.
Cardiovascular diseases can be managed through lifestyle changes, which include incorporating a healthy diet as well as exercise routines, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction or cessation, as well as medication used to prevent and treat CV disease, slow the progression of disease and treat its symptoms, and increase life expectancy whilst improving the patients’ quality of life.
Cardiovascular Diseases:
- HEART DISEASE: most usual through atherosclerosis, which is the build up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow. The plaque can burst, triggering a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in your body.
- HEART ATTACK /MI: occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which may travel into the shoulder, arm, back, neck or jaw.
- STROKE: Ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The blockage reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to damage or death of brain cells. Haemorrhagic stroke, also known as brain haemorrhage or brain bleed, happens due to bleeding in or around the brain.
- HEART FAILURE: also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should.
- ARRHYTHMIA: a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat where the heart can beat too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.
- HEART VALVE ISSUES: issues include regurgitation, stenosis, and atresia.
Below you can find a collection of videos that can help provide a more visual approach to cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease
Ischaemic Stroke Animation
Haemorrhagic Stroke Animation
Congestive Heart Failure
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Hypertension Overview, Symptoms and Risk Factors
More information about anti-hypertensives can be found here…
Special thanks to the creators of the featured videos on this post, specifically Youtube Channels Biolution, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Scientific Animations, Bupa Health UK, and Registered Nurse RN.
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Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education.
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