The most common cardiovascular diseases

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Cardiovascular diseases affect around 1.8 million Swedes and include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, and heart attack. They are frequent causes of hospital admissions and increase the risk of falls, especially among older adults. Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and balance problems, together with side effects from medications, make fall prevention and healthy lifestyle habits especially important.

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A major public health issue in Sweden

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and a major challenge in Sweden as well. Around 1.8 million Swedes (about 17 % of the population) live with some form of cardiovascular disease [1].

These conditions include a wide range of diagnoses with different causes, symptoms, and consequences – but they all affect the function of the heart or blood vessels. They not only lead to acute events such as heart attacks and strokes but also to long-term conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

The most common cardiovascular diseases

Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

A heart attack occurs when blood flow in one of the heart’s coronary arteries is blocked, usually by a blood clot formed in a vessel narrowed by atherosclerosis. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and damages the tissue. Risk increases with age, high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol. Although treatment has improved and mortality has decreased, heart attacks remain a leading cause of emergency hospital care in Sweden.

• Prevalence: around 22,000 Swedes suffer a heart attack each year [2].

• Lifetime risk: 3–4 % of Swedes have had a heart attack.

• Symptoms: chest pain, nausea, cold sweats, shortness of breath.

Stroke

Stroke refers to a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke) in the brain. It often occurs suddenly and can cause extensive damage to body and cognition. Risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, and diabetes. Stroke is one of the most common causes of long-term disability and the need for rehabilitation.

• Prevalence: about 25,000 Swedes suffer a stroke each year, and around 100,000 (≈ 1 %) live with its consequences [3].

• Symptoms: sudden paralysis, speech difficulties, balance problems, vision loss.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. It often develops after a heart attack, long-term high blood pressure, or valve disease. Many describe a constant feeling of fatigue, and it significantly affects daily life and quality of life. Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization among older adults in Sweden.

• Prevalence: around 250,000 people in Sweden (≈ 2.4 %) [4].

• Symptoms: fatigue, swollen legs, shortness of breath.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder. The atria beat irregularly and often rapidly, which can cause palpitations and fatigue. Many people, however, do not notice any symptoms, making it difficult to detect. The risk increases significantly with age, and atrial fibrillation is especially common among those over 65. While not dangerous in itself, it greatly increases the risk of stroke.

• Prevalence: around 400,000 Swedes (≈ 3.8 %) [5].

• Symptoms: palpitations, dizziness, fatigue – sometimes no symptoms.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure is often a “silent” disease without clear symptoms but is one of the greatest risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The constant high pressure in the arteries damages blood vessel walls over time, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Because it often goes unnoticed, hypertension is frequently discovered only during routine health checks. Prevalence is very high, particularly among older adults.

• Prevalence: over 2 million Swedes (≈ 20 %) [6].

• Symptoms: often none – hence the name “the silent disease.”

Risk factors

The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease are well known:

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Overweight and physical inactivity

• Genetics and older age

Nearly 80 % of cardiovascular diseases could be prevented through healthier lifestyle choices [1].

How cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of falls

Cardiovascular diseases are often associated only with heart and circulation problems, but they are also closely linked to falls – especially in older adults.

• Dizziness and blood pressure drops: High blood pressure and some medications can cause orthostatic hypotension (sudden drops in blood pressure), making balance harder to maintain.

• Balance problems after stroke: Stroke can result in paralysis and coordination difficulties, making safe mobility harder.

• Irregular heartbeat: Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias can lead to dizziness or fainting.

• Fatigue and muscle weakness: Heart failure causes reduced stamina, which increases the risk of stumbling and falling.

• Medication side effects: Blood pressure-lowering, diuretic, and blood-thinning drugs can contribute to dizziness and fall risk.

Studies show that older adults with cardiovascular diseases are up to twice as likely to experience a fall compared to peers without these conditions [7]. Since falls often result in fractures and long hospital stays, it is crucial to both treat the cardiovascular condition and work actively on fall prevention.

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.