Final answer:
Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, with hypertension and atherosclerosis being common precursors. Atherosclerosis causes plaque buildup in arteries, leading to diseases such as Peripheral Arterial Disease and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term used to describe diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels, which often stem from conditions such as hypertension (HTN) or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, which can lead to reduced or blocked blood flow and is a common cause of various arterial diseases such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, persistently elevates arterial pressure and can cause damage to blood vessels, contributing to the risk of developing CVDs. Additionally, specific arterial diseases such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Raynaud's Disease are associated with CVD. PAD is caused by the narrowing of peripheral arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow to limbs, while Raynaud’s Disease is characterized by smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin constricting excessively in response to cold or stress.
The most common precursors to cardiovascular disease are hypertension and atherosclerosis, both affecting the arteries' ability to maintain normal blood flow. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of these conditions and, consequently, the risk of CVD.