Understanding 4 Common CardiovascularConditions: What You Need to Know

Welcome to the Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance community! In this blog post, we’re breaking down some of the most common cardiovascular conditions that affect millions ofpeople—what they are, why they matter, and how to identify and manage your risk. Whether you're trying to understand a recent diagnosis or take preventive steps, this is for you.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The Leading Threat

What it is:

Coronary artery disease is the No. 1 cause of death globally. It happens when cholesterol builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

What can happen:

• Stable CAD leads to chest discomfort (angina) with exertion.

• Heart attacks occur when a cholesterol plaque ruptures, causing a clot that blocks blood

• flow acutely.

• 50% of heart attacks are fatal before hospital arrival, often due to sudden arrhythmia.

  
  

Treatment & Prevention:

• Emergency stent placement can save heart muscle and lives.

• Prevention starts with managing modifiable risk factors: smoking, high blood pressure,

• diabetes, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol).

• Lipid lowering medications are critical for people with known heart disease or those at

• high risk for developing heart disease, in conjunction with lifestyle changes.

2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Silent Danger

What it is:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of the aorta within the abdomen. If it

ruptures, it can be fatal.

Who should be screened:

• Men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked

• Anyone with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Treatment:

If the aneurysm reaches 5.5 cm, it often requires repair—usually with a minimally invasive

stent that covers the swollen segment. Sometimes surgical repair is necessary based on anatomy.

3. Aortic Valve Stenosis: When the Heart’s Front Door Narrows

What it is:

This condition occurs when the aortic valve becomes stiff or calcified, making it harder for blood to leave the heart.

Symptoms include:

• Chest pain

• Fainting

• Heart failure symptoms

Treatment evolution:

Once treated only with open-heart surgery, TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

now offers a less invasive option using a catheter to place a new valve.

4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

What it is:

AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder. It causes the heart’s upper chambers to quiver instead of beat properly.

Risks:

• Blood can pool and clot in the atria

• Clots can travel to the brain, causing stroke

Treatment:

Blood thinners are essential to prevent stroke

Rhythm control can be achieved through medication or procedures like cardioversion or

catheter ablation

Early intervention leads to better outcomes

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) & Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

DVT: A clot in the deep veins, often in the leg

PE: When that clot travels to the pulmonary arteries of the lungs—potentially life-threatening

Risks:

• Immobility (related to surgery, injury, illness, travel)

• Cancer

• Genetic clotting conditions

• Estrogen-containing medications + smoking

Treatment:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

• Thrombectomy or catheter-based clot removal for severe cases

Final Takeaway

Cardiovascular disease is complex, but often preventable or manageable with the right

information, proactive screening, and timely treatment. If you have risk factors—age, family

history, smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol—talk to your healthcare provider about

screenings and preventive steps.

Remember, time is muscle when it comes to heart attacks, and early detection saves lives for

conditions like aneurysms and valve disease.

Questions or comments? Reach out to me via the Premier Cardiovascular Health and

Performance website or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.