Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, taking the lives of more than 17.9 million people annually. However, not everyone is aware of the warning signs of these dangerous diseases.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (Heart Disease) refers to disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It includes coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. It is the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, with 85% of these deaths due to heart attacks and strokes.

In Vietnam, cardiovascular disease claims nearly 200,000 lives each year, surpassing the number of deaths caused by cancer. Notably, this disease is becoming increasingly common among younger populations. While in the past, cardiovascular diseases like cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease were usually seen in older adults, they are now occurring earlier in younger people.

Young people often underestimate their risk of heart disease, failing to take preventive measures or undergo early screenings. This can lead to serious complications and negatively impact society’s workforce. Additionally, congenital heart disease cases that are not diagnosed and treated early in childhood also contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease among young people.

Common Cardiovascular Diseases

1. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart and presents in three main forms: stable angina, unstable angina, and acute myocardial infarction. An estimated 8.9 million people die each year from coronary artery disease.

In developing countries like Vietnam, the prevalence of coronary artery disease has increased over the years. According to the National Institute of Cardiology, the incidence rose from 3% in 1991 to 9.5% in 1999. Coronary artery disease now accounts for 11% to 36% of deaths.

Causes:
The primary cause is the buildup of plaques made from cholesterol and other cellular waste products, leading to atherosclerosis. If these plaques rupture or block the artery, blood cells can cluster together to repair the artery, leading to narrowing and obstruction.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina): This feels like pressure or squeezing in the chest, often occurring on the left side.
• Shortness of breath: If the heart cannot pump enough blood, a person may feel breathless or extremely fatigued.
• Heaviness in the chest, a burning sensation, or dull pain may also be felt.

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2. Arrhythmia

Normal resting heart rates for adults range between 60-100 beats per minute. Arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rates, either too fast (over 100 bpm), too slow (under 60 bpm), or irregular.

Causes:

• Functional arrhythmia: Often occurs in otherwise healthy individuals due to psychological disorders, overexertion, or substance use (caffeine, alcohol).
• Structural arrhythmia: Caused by damage to the heart, such as myocardial infarction, heart valve disease, or congenital heart defects.
• Systemic causes: Hyperthyroidism, lung disease, anemia, or medication side effects.

Symptoms:

• Palpitations, or a strong feeling that the heart is skipping or pounding.
• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Dizziness or fainting.

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3. Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves malfunction, causing blood flow issues. This can present as valve stenosis (narrowing) or valve regurgitation (leaking).

Causes:

• Congenital defects, rheumatic heart disease, heart attack, or aging.
• Structural changes, such as stretched valve rings or ruptured valve cords.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.
• Swelling in the ankles and feet.
• Dizziness and chest pain.

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4. Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease refers to heart defects present at birth that affect the structure and function of the heart. This is the most common congenital disorder and the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.

Causes:

• Genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities.
• Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as maternal diabetes or medication use.

Symptoms:

• Blue skin (cyanosis) or difficulty breathing.
• Poor growth and feeding issues.
• Persistent respiratory symptoms like coughing or wheezing.

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5. Peripheral Artery Disease

This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, causing narrowing and decreased blood flow.

Symptoms:

• Leg pain during activity that resolves with rest.
• Cold, pale skin or sores that do not heal.

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6. Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It often results from other heart conditions.

Causes:

• Left-sided heart failure: Often due to hypertension, valve disease, or myocardial infarction.
• Right-sided heart failure: Caused by lung disease, valve disease, or congenital defects.
• Global heart failure: Caused by widespread heart muscle damage.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and rapid weight gain from fluid retention.
• Persistent cough, especially at night.

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