Cardiovascular disease primarily affects which parts of the body?

Cardiovascular disease primarily affects the heart and blood vessels because this category of health issues involves conditions that relate directly to the circulatory system. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, while blood vessels (including arteries, veins, and capillaries) carry oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste products.

When discussing cardiovascular disease, we refer to problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure, all of which fundamentally involve the functioning and health of the heart and the vascular system. These diseases can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed, often stemming from risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Understanding that cardiovascular disease targets the heart and blood vessels helps in recognizing its impact on overall health and reinforces the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health.