Cardiovascular & Circulatory

The cardiovascular system (also known as the circulatory system) is composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. The system is known as a closed system because the blood never leaves the system of blood vessels consisting of arteries, capillaries and veins. Arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues and organs whereas veins bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lungs. Blood flows from arteries and veins through capillaries, which are the thinnest and most numerous blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is one of the most important systems in the body as none of our cells and tissues can function without adequate oxygen and thus blood supply. If there are any problems with the heart, the rest of the body is greatly affected. Over 50 million Americans have cardiovascular problems, with most Western countries also facing high and increasing rates. In the United States and European countries, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, usually because it is detected too late and adequate therapeutic measures can no longer be taken. Health can be improved through healthy eating, exercise, and not smoking.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

The most common indicator of heart attack, the chest pain results from a spectrum of conditions involving chest discomfort or other symptoms caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The unification of these manifestations of coronary artery disease under a single term reflects the understanding that these are caused by a similar sequence of events characterized by erosion, fissuring or rupture of a pre-existing plaque that leads to clotting within the coronary arteries and impaired blood supply to the heart muscle.

Angina

Angina, the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, is chest pain due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. The chest pain of angina is typically severe and crushing. There is a feeling just behind the breastbone of pressure and suffocation. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, nearly 7 million people in the United States suffer from angina. About 400,000 patients go to their doctors with new cases of angina every year.

Arrhythmiasis

An arrhythmia (ah-RITH-me-ah) is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. A heartbeat that is too fast is called tachycardia. A heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious or even life threatening. When the heart rate is too slow, too fast, or irregular, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart, and other organs.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis refers to the process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium-sized and large arteries as a result of fat deposits on their inner lining and is ultimately responsible for much coronary artery disease and many strokes. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, including arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs, and pelvis. As a result, different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected.