You don't need a Ph.D. to conquer the confusing terms related to cardiovascular disease.
You probably hear plenty about what you can do to prevent heart disease. But maybe you're not quite sure exactly what heart disease is. Is it the same thing as cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease or other terms you often come across?
With scores of medical terms related to the heart and blood vessels, it's no wonder you may be scratching your head. Brushing up on some basic terminology about cardiovascular disease can help you stay more informed, which pays off whether you're watching the news or meeting with your doctor.
It all falls under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease
The first term to know is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a broad, all-encompassing term. Despite what its name may suggest, it's not actually a particular condition or disorder in itself. Rather, cardiovascular disease is a collection of diseases and conditions.
To get technical, cardiovascular disease refers to any disorder in any of the various parts of your cardiovascular system. Your cardiovascular system consists of your heart and all the blood vessels throughout your body.
Cardiovascular disease, then, has two main components:
- Diseases of the heart (cardio)
- Diseases of the blood vessels (vascular)
Everything from aneurysms to heart attacks to varicose veins are types of cardiovascular disease. You may be born with some types of cardiovascular disease (congenital) or acquire others later on, usually from a lifetime of unhealthy habits, such as smoking. Some types of cardiovascular disease can even cause other types of cardiovascular disease.
Here's a closer look at the two components of cardiovascular disease.
Diseases of the heart
The diseases and conditions affecting the heart are collectively known as heart disease. The heart consists of a muscle that pumps blood, arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, and valves that ensure that the blood within the heart is pumped in the correct direction. Problems can arise in any of these areas.
Like cardiovascular disease, heart disease is a term that's somewhat loose and broad, and it's often used that way.
