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'Cardiovascular disease' is a generic term that covers all pathological
changes affecting the heart and/or blood vessels. It includes coronary
heart disease (disease of the blood vessels that supply the
heart), hypertension
and arteriosclerosis.
One of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease
is hypertension (high blood pressure). Prolonged elevation of
blood
pressure leads to changes in the blood vessel walls. This interferes
with blood flow, with the result that the heart no longer receives
sufficient oxygen. The heart reacts with pain known as angina pectoris
(literally: chest tightness). Complete blockage of blood flow results
in myocardial infarction (a heart attack). This is generally a consequence
of advanced arteriosclerosis of the coronary arteries. |
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