Heart Disease - Introduction

Each year more than one in three deaths will be from diseases of the heart and circulatory system (cardiovascular disease, CVD) - the main cause of death in the UK.

One third of deaths are due to heart or circulatory system diseases [Corbis].

Cardiovascular disease occurs when the heart and blood vessels cannot pump enough blood and supply enough oxygen to each of the body's organs. The main forms of CVD are coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, in which a blood clot or a burst blood vessel starves the brain of oxygen.

Early symptoms of a heart problem include angina - a specific type of chest pain that indicates the heart is not getting enough oxygen. Angina is usually due to the build up of fatty deposits e.g. cholesterol in a blood vessel. The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Stress, hormones, fatty foods and toxins from cigarettes all affect the heart. In many cases, a healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce the chance of a heart attack. But genetic factors play a role too.

There are a number of different medicines for heart disease. Some reduce cholesterol or blood pressure, others treat irregular heart rhythms. Surgery may be necessary. This can involve physically clearing blockages in blood vessels, bypass surgery or even a heart transplant.

More to follow...