What type of disease affects the heart or blood vessels?

Cardiovascular disease specifically refers to a range of conditions that impact the heart and blood vessels. This category includes diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. The underlying causes often include factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. Understanding that cardiovascular disease is directly related to the function and health of the cardiovascular system helps highlight its critical role in overall wellbeing.

In contrast, diabetes primarily affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin and control blood sugar levels; cancers involve uncontrolled cell growth across various tissues; and respiratory diseases impact the lungs and airways. Hence, while all these conditions are serious health concerns, only cardiovascular disease is specifically aimed at heart and blood vessel-related issues.