Answer: Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of early death in western countries, includes HYPERTENSION or high blood pressure and ATHEROSCLEROSIS or plaques inside blood vessels.
Explanation: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the force of the blood against the artery wall is high.
Usually hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90, and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, it narrows the artery and limits the flow of oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood to the organs and other parts of the body.
This can cause heart attack, stroke and even lead to death.
