CVD In General: Definitions

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): is the general term for heart and blood vessel diseases, including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease. CVD accounts for one in every two deaths in the US and is the number one killer disease. 90% of CVD is presentaly diagnosed as atherosclerosis (US 5,846,959). 

Cardiovascular Disorders are acute manifestations of CVD and in clude myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris, transient ischemic attacks and congestive heart failure. 

Diagnosis (See also Biomarkers)

Numerous epidemiologic studies have evaluated several inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, various cytokines, adhesion molecules and white blood cell count for their clinical usefulness in predicting risk of CVDs.

Prevention

A low fat diet and exercise are recommended to prevent CVD.  

Treatments: See outline

Angina:

Unstable angina: is a cardiovascular disorder in which the heart does not obtain sufficient blood flow and oxygen. It can cause chest discomfort and also lead to heart attack. 

Treatment:  NIH 

Hypertension:

Pathology:

–primary aldosteronism: is a hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure. It occurs when your adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. Your adrenal glands produce a number of essential hormones, including aldosterone. Current guidelines suggest screening only in certain cases. That includes people who have “resistant” hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure), which means blood pressure that remains high despite a three-medication regimen; and people with hypertension plus low potassium. However, many medical professionals are advocating to change these guidelines and to test people much early as it appears this hormonal disorder is much more common then first thought. 

Treatments:

—beta blockers:  Bystolic (nebivolol): Abbvie/Allergan’s drug. 

BioMarkers/Diagnosis/Pathogenesis/Risk Factors:  See outline