Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is among the leading causes of death and disability in Ireland.
CVD includes all diseases of the heart and circulation but most commonly it refers to coronary heart disease (angina, heart attack), stroke and other blood vessel diseases.
Other conditions include congenital heart disease, heart valve disease and disease of the heart muscle
Cardiovascular disease usually refers to heart disease and stroke that is caused by a narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel.
Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease. A heart attack or stroke may be the first signs of CVD.
The underlying cause of coronary heart disease and stroke is atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits that form plaques on the inner lining of the blood vessels).
Risk factors include
Age, sex and family history – often referred to as non-modifiable risk factors
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
An unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Diabetes
Obesity or being overweight
Unrelieved stress
Keeping a heart healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Many risk factors influence and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
A lot of these risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, inactivity and smoking are modifiable.
The tests to diagnose cardiovascular disease will depend on your risk factors and symptoms.
Your doctor will do a physical examination and ask you about your own and your family medical history before doing any tests.
These tests may include:
Treatment options depend on how your condition is presenting itself.
Making certain lifestyle changes is vital to improving and potentially preventing cardiovascular disease.
Depending on your individual condition, certain medications may be prescribed. If these medications aren’t enough, specific procedures or surgery may be recommended.
Consultants
The Galway Clinic have a team of 9 consultant Cardiologist who have trained in some of the worlds leading hospitals.
Our cardiology department is also supported by our Cardiothoracic Surgeon