Circulatory diseases: what are they? Which risk factors are the most significant for developing circulatory diseases? What precautions can you take to lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases? All these questions we will answer in the following article.
The circulatory system, or the so-called cardiovascular system, includes both the heart muscle and blood vessels, as it carries oxygen and other substances and distributes them to various parts of the body, and any defect in this function may lead to the emergence of a circulatory disease, The following is an explanation of circulatory system diseases:
Circulatory diseases
The most significant circulatory system illnesses are explained as follows:
- Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, which is frequently brought on by a high-fat diet, causes fat to accumulate on the blood vessel lining, making arteries less flexible and stiffer.
High blood pressure brought on by arterial sclerosis increases the risk of heart, kidney, and stroke damage.
- Heart Attack
A heart attack, or what is known as a myocardial infarction, is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, and often the cause is a blockage of one or a group of arteries.
In addition, the lack of blood flow to the heart muscle leads to its death, so a heart attack may lead to permanent damage to the heart or may cause death if blood flow is not quickly restored.
- Stroke
A blockage or rupture of a blood artery in the brain causes a stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack. Because of the reduced blood flow caused by a stroke, nearby neurons are deprived of oxygen and other essential nutrients.
If oxygen does not reach the tissues in the brain for more than three to four minutes, these tissues begin to die.
- Angina pectoris
Chest pain that keeps coming back as a result of the heart not getting enough blood and oxygen. Another sign of coronary artery disease is angina.
- Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic condition that develops as a result of the heart muscle's inability to effectively pump blood throughout the body or as a result of inadequate blood filling, which prevents the muscles and organs of the body from receiving enough oxygen and other essential nutrients.
It may also lead to a buildup of fluid in the body, as well as a feeling of shortness of breath or fatigue.
- Aortic aneurysm
The major artery in the body is affected by an aortic aneurysm, which causes the arterial wall to weaken and allow the artery to swell. Eventually, the enlarged artery may rupture.
- Hypertension
Due to the fact that high blood pressure raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is the most prevalent vascular disease.
- High cholesterol
High cholesterol is caused by an unhealthy diet, poor lifestyle, or genetic factors, as too much cholesterol can form a thick layer on the inside of the blood vessels, blocking blood flow.
- Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia
Arrhythmia or arrhythmia are both terms that indicate abnormal heart rates.
Factors that increase the risk of circulatory diseases
The following is a description of various elements that could raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases:
1. Modifiable risk factors
Where it can be controlled or controlled in addition to changing it by changing the lifestyle, and it includes the following:
- Lack of exercise .
- overweight.
- smoking.
- drink alcohol
- Extreme tension.
- bad food.
2. Risk factors cannot be changed.
These factors are characterized by the inability to control or treat them, and in the following we mention some of them:
- Getting old.
- In general, men are more prone than women.
- a history of cardiovascular disorders in the family.
- Ethnicity.
Tips to reduce the risk of circulatory diseases
Here are some recommendations for lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Practice sport regularly.
- Avoid excess weight .
- Avoid smoking.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle.
Cases that require a visit to the doctor
Some situations need consulting a doctor, such as:
- If someone experiences heartache.
- those at risk for cardiovascular disorders.
- Life-threatening disorders including a stroke, heart attack, or aneurysm necessitate immediate medical intervention.