Stephen Sondheim: Composer died from cardiovascular disease - how to prevent condition

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Although symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition an individual has, some common symptoms of CVD include:

  • Chest pain
  • Pain, weakness or numb legs and/or arms
  • Breathlessness
  • Very fast or slow heartbeat, or palpitations
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen limbs.

There are four main types of CVD, which tend to affect individuals the most. These are: Coronary heart disease, strokes and TIAs, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease.

The first, coronary heart disease occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is either blocked or reduced. Due to this, strain on the heart increases putting individuals at risk of the following:

  • Angina – chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle
  • Heart attacks – where the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked
  • Heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly.

Differing slightly, a stroke is caused by a blocked blood supply to the brain, putting individuals at risk of permanent brain damage. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”) is similar, but the blood flow to the brain is only temporarily disrupted.

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