Cardiovascular diseases

The term “cardiovascular disease” refers to a number of problems with the heart and blood vessels. 

Some of the most common:

• Arrhythmia: Any change in normal heartbeat rhythm.
• Chronic heart failure: the heart cannot pump enough blood through the body.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood.
• Heart attack: Disruption of blood supply to the heart muscle resulting from obstructed (blocked) arteries.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Appears when blood pressure is constantly above recommended limits.
• Stroke: Damage to nerve cells in the brain caused by oxygen deficiency.
• Peripheral vascular disease: narrowing of the arteries that lead away from the heart, usually in the legs, lower arms or palms.

An unhealthy lifestyle increases the chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Some of the major risk factors are smoking, obesity, diabetes and lack of physical activity. Cardiovascular disease will remain a serious health problem for years to come. Varus, through Merk’s products, aims to help reduce their impact.