Causes and common symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Hypertension and Hypotension

SECTION 1: CORONARY HEART DISEASE (CHD)

Coronary Heart Disease occurs when coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood, become hardened and narrowed; this process is known as atherosclerosis.
Causes include unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Genetic predisposition and older age are non-modifiable risk factors.
Common symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. Many people may have no symptoms but are still at risk of heart attacks.

SECTION 2: STROKE

A stroke happens when the blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. This can occur due to a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke).
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Age, gender, and heredity can also contribute.
Symptoms include a sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking; difficulty seeing; loss of balance; severe headache.

SECTION 3: CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD.
Symptoms include ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness.

SECTION 4: HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Normal levels are typically 120/80mmHg.
Risk factors include excess weight, tobacco use, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive sodium intake, and a family history of hypertension.
Hypertension is often a silent condition. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms, and many people with it don’t know they have it. However, if left untreated it causes damage to the cardiovascular system.

SECTION 5: HYPOTENSION (Low Blood Pressure)

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is pressure so low it causes symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. It’s generally considered if the blood pressure reading is consistently lower than 90/60 mmHg.
Causes can be varied, including pregnancy, dehydration, certain medications, and some severe infections or allergic reactions.
Symptoms may include dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, cold, clammy, pale skin.