Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and the blood vessels. It is both extremely serious and very common. Research conducted by organizations such as the American Heart Association Carrollton TX demonstrates that heart disease is the leading cause of death among American adults, and that it doesn’t discriminate by race or gender. However, some cardiovascular diseases are more common than others. Here are a few of those you are most likely to encounter.

1. Heart Attack

Also called a myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function properly. This occurs because something cuts off the flow of blood to the heart. A myocardial infarction can cause damage to the heart muscle that can cause future problems.

A myocardial infarction does not always cause symptoms. It is possible to have a heart attack and not even know it. These are called silent heart attacks, and they are dangerous because they can damage the heart muscle just as a symptomatic MI can.

2. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common cardiovascular disease in the United States. It occurs due to build-up of proteins, calcium, or fats in your coronary arteries, which supply the blood flow to the heart. When these arteries become clogged, it can restrict the blood flow to the heart. Therefore, coronary artery disease is a leading cause of heart attack.

3. Stroke

The same sorts of build-up that can happen in the arteries that supply the heart can also affect the blood vessels that supply the brain. When the blood supply to the brain slows down or stops, a stroke can occur, which can cause brain damage and affect the functioning of the rest of your body.

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis

Prolonged inactivity, hormone treatments, and genetic defects are among the causes of deep vein thrombosis. Insufficient circulation in the veins of the legs can cause blood clots to form. DVT can be painful on its own, but sometimes the clots break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they can cause acute respiratory distress.