Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States.
This said, understanding what cardiovascular disease is, how it develops, and how to detect it early can help you make informed decisions about your health and longevity.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and peripheral arterial disease.
Primarily, cardiovascular disease involves the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to vital organs and tissues.
Here's a helpful video to give you a bit more of a visual reference for what it is and how it works:
The term “cardiovascular” literally means “heart and blood vessels.” When these systems are compromised, it can lead to serious and oftentimes sudden health events.
However, most forms of cardiovascular disease develop gradually, making early detection very important for prevention.
What causes cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease typically develops over many years due to a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors.
The most common underlying cause is atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the walls of arteries that restricts blood flow.
Common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – puts extra strain on artery walls
- High cholesterol – leads to plaque buildup in arteries
- Smoking – damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen in the blood
- Diabetes – increases inflammation and vessel damage
- Obesity – contributes to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin resistance
- Physical inactivity – reduces cardiovascular efficiency and metabolism
- Unhealthy diet – high in trans fats, sodium, and processed foods
- Family history – genetic predisposition to heart conditions
- Chronic stress – triggers hormonal and vascular changes over time
Lots of these factors are preventable or manageable with lifestyle changes, but others may be unavoidable if they're inherited genetically.
How to get tested for cardiovascular disease
Because cardiovascular disease can progress without visible symptoms, regular screening is the best way to identify issues early.
Depending on your age, risk level, and family history, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these tests:
Common cardiovascular screenings
- Blood pressure test – Checks for hypertension, a leading risk factor.
- Cholesterol panel (lipid profile) – Measures LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, plus triglycerides.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – Detects abnormal heart rhythms or prior heart damage.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to visualize heart structure and function.
- Carotid artery ultrasound – Identifies blockages or plaque buildup in the arteries supplying the brain.
- Coronary calcium scan (CT scan) – Measures calcium deposits in coronary arteries, indicating early atherosclerosis.
- Ankle-brachial index test (ABI) – Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to assess peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Screenings are typically quick, noninvasive, and can provide valuable insights into your heart and vascular health.
Life Line Screening is a leading provider for health screenings in the preventive healthcare space.
With over 15,000 traveling screening teams, it's very easy to find a cardiovascular disease screening appointment.
Click here to find the next cardiovascular screening near you.