CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: ETIOLOGY, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, PATHOGENESIS, TREATMENT, PREVENTION, AND THE ROLE OF PATRONAGE SERVICES
Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseases; Etiology; Pathogenesis; Clinical manifestations; Diagnostics; Treatment strategies; Prevention; Atherosclerosis; Risk factors; Hypertension; Diabetes mellitus; Lifestyle modification; Community-based care; Patronage nursing services; Home visitation; Chronic disease management.Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths worldwide. This review summarizes current evidence on the etiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for major cardiovascular conditions, with particular emphasis on atherosclerotic disease. Modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity interact with non-modifiable determinants including age, sex, and genetic predisposition to drive the development of cardiovascular pathology. The article also highlights the crucial role of patronage (home-visiting) nursing services in prevention, early detection, and long-term management of CVDs, especially in primary healthcare settings. Strengthening community-based care, along with evidence-based medical therapies and lifestyle interventions, represents an essential strategy for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improving population health outcomes.
