In the Netherlands, many people suffer from cardiovascular disease – conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. Examples of cardiovascular disease include heart attack, stroke and cerebral haemorrhage. Cardiovascular disease can be caused by various risk factors. These include high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or a combination of these. Lifestyle also plays a role.
On this page, you can read about the possible symptoms, the causes and what treatment may involve.
Sometimes there are clear signs of cardiovascular disease, such as persistent chest pain. But there are also more vague symptoms that may indicate cardiovascular disease, such as fatigue, excessive sweating or nausea. In women, the symptoms are often less clear. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, as in the case of a stroke, for example. Vague symptoms are not always recognised. If you are unsure or concerned, consult your general practitioner.
There are several factors that can cause cardiovascular disease. Below is an overview of possible causes:
Dutch Dutch 
English
Dutch
English