What is cardiovascular disease, and what are the main types?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass all conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. They are the leading cause of death worldwide (WHO). Any suspected acute CVD is a medical emergency (call 15). Cardiovascular support supplements are available in the cardiovascular health and heart conditions section of the store.
- Coronary artery disease: atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries — angina pectoris (chest pain) — myocardial infarction (acute coronary occlusion — absolute emergency — call 15)
- Stroke: ischemic (clot) in 85% of cases — hemorrhagic in 15% — FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) — any suggestive signs → call 15 immediately — every minute counts
- Heart failure: inability of the myocardium to maintain adequate cardiac output — shortness of breath on exertion and later at rest — ankle swelling — specialized medical care is essential
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): atherosclerosis of the leg arteries — intermittent claudication — pain when walking that subsides with rest — vascular evaluation recommended
- Hypertensive heart disease: a consequence of uncontrolled high blood pressure → left ventricular hypertrophy → heart failure
What are the cardiovascular risk factors, and how are they assessed?
- Major modifiable risk factors: high blood pressure (the leading modifiable risk factor—1 in 3 French people) — active and passive smoking (Tabac Info Service: 3989) — hypercholesterolemia (high LDL) — type 2 diabetes — abdominal obesity — physical inactivity — chronic stress — pro-inflammatory diet (saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods)
- Non-modifiable risk factors: age (risk increases after age 50 in men, after menopause in women) — male gender — family history of early CVD (<55 years of age in a first-degree relative)
- SCORE2 score (ESC 2021): a 10-year risk assessment tool used by physicians — incorporates age, sex, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and LDL — allows for tailoring the intensity of prevention and treatment
- Recommended cardiovascular screening: blood pressure measurement — lipid panel (total cholesterol) — fasting blood glucose — resting ECG — for at-risk individuals or those aged 40–45 and older, as advised by a physician
How can cardiovascular disease be prevented, and what supplements can help?
Prevention relies on lifestyle changes before any medication is prescribed. These supplements support a healthy lifestyle—they do not replace prescribed medications (statins, antihypertensives, anticoagulants). Consult a doctor before taking any supplements if you are currently undergoing cardiovascular treatment.
- Heart-healthy diet: Mediterranean diet — omega-3 EPA-DHA (fatty fish 2–3 times per week — EFSA claim regarding heart function) — reduced sodium intake (< 5 g/day — WHO) — soluble fiber — phytosterols
- Physical activity: 150 min/week of moderate-intensity activity (WHO) — lowers blood pressure, improves lipid profile, controls weight and blood glucose — protective effect independent of other risk factors
- Hawthorn: cardiovascular tonic — improves coronary perfusion — well-established EMA — contraindicated with antiarrhythmics and digoxin (seek medical advice)
- Omega-3 EPA-DHA: reduces triglycerides (–20% to –30% at 3–4 g/day) — reduces vascular inflammation — 2 to 3 g/day
- See the cardiovascular system for a comprehensive anatomical and preventive approach
