Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) include conditions that affect the blood vessels of the heart, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions that affect the heart.

The burden of CVDs – A matter of concern

CVDs are the leading cause of mortality globally, claiming the lives of an estimated 17.9 million people every year. More than four out of every five CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, with one-third of these deaths occurring before the age of 70.

Abnormal heart rhythms (or arrhythmias), Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome, Congenital heart disease, Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries), Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, Heart attack, Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), Heart valve disease, Pericardial disease, Peripheral vascular disease, Rheumatic heart disease, Stroke, and Vascular disease are all examples of CVD (blood vessel disease).

Cardinal signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease include:

o   Chest pain or pressure, which could indicate angina.

o   Pain or discomfort in the left shoulder, radiating pain to the arm, elbows, jaw, or back

o   Nausea and exhaustion

o   Excessive gasping for air

o   Feeling light-headed or dizzy

o   Excessive sweating

Risk Factors for the development of cardiovascular disease

o   Behavioral risk factors: Some of the most important behavioral risk factors for  CVD include

1.       Tobacco use

2.       An unhealthy diet

3.       Excessive alcohol consumption

4.       Inadequate physical activity

o   Physiological factors: These factors are linked to underlying social determinants and drivers such as age, income, and urbanization.

1.       High blood pressure (hypertension)

2.       High blood cholesterol

3.       High blood sugar or glucose,