Diseases in the Circulatory System & Their Cures

The circulatory system is composed of the heart and the body's blood vessels, including veins, arteries and capillaries. The heart functions to pump blood to the body, while the blood vessels are used for the transportation of blood to and from the heart. Capillaries connect veins and arteries; gases and nutrients are exchanged here. Problems and diseases of the circulatory system are quite common and can be grouped into two categories: those that affect the heart and those that affect the blood vessels. Fortunately, treatments are available for nearly every circulatory system disease.

• medication pills in a heart shape

Congenital Heart Defects

• Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that were present at birth. In some cases, they are hereditary. However, in many cases, there cause is unknown. Congenital heart defects may result in difficulty breathing, problems with blood flow and excessive fatigue. If the problem is not treated, it could result in heart failure. Babies with congenital heart defects almost always require immediate surgery to repair the heart defects. A variety of medications will likely be needed before and after surgery to ensure proper functioning of the circulatory system.

Cardiomyopathy

• Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's chambers enlarge and weaken. In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes stiff and rigid. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes thick and will not relax completely. When any of these diseases occur, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. The most severe cases may even be fatal. Treatment depends on the type of cardiomyopathy present, although a heart transplant is often required. A heart transplant involves surgically replacing the diseased heart with a donor's healthy heart.

Coronary Artery Disease

• Coronary Artery Disease occurs when plaque builds up along the inside of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart itself, and supply the heart with blood and oxygen. When these arteries become blocked with plaque, it reduces the amount of blood they are able to deliver to the heart. Over time, this lack of blood will damage or weaken the heart. In some cases, the plaque tears and the body attempts to fix the tear by forming a blood clot. This blood clot will typically block all blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. A variety of treatment options are available; treatment often depends on the severity of the disease. Medications often help to lower cholesterol and decrease the work your heart is required to do. Lifestyle changes will need to revolve around eating a healthy diet, losing weight, exercising regularly and quitting smoking. In severe cases, surgery may be required. In this case, a stent will likely need to be placed inside the coronary arteries to open them up and allow for proper blood flow.

Atherosclerosis

• Atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol and fatty plaque on the inside walls of the rest of the arteries. This plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, making it difficult for blood to pass through them. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery of the body, but most commonly occurs in the arteries of the heart, brain, kidneys, legs and pelvis. When arteries of the brain become blocked with plaque, it is called carotid artery disease. A blockage of blood to the brain may result in a stroke. When arteries of the arms, legs or pelvis become blocked, it is referred to as peripheral artery disease (PAD). When blood is blocked from flowing to these areas, it may result in numbness, pain and serious infections. The main treatment for atherosclerosis includes significant changes to lifestyle. A person suffering from this circulatory system disease should aim for a nutritious diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. He should also quit smoking and eliminate any significant sources of stress. Certain medications may also be prescribed to help regulate blood flow. In serious cases, medical procedures may be necessary to re-open the blocked arteries.

Arrhythmia

• Arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart's rhythm. An arrhythmia may be the result of a congenital heart defect, or it may be acquired later in life. This disease causes the heart to beat either abnormally fast or abnormally slow. Arrhythmia may lead to a variety of symptoms, some minor and some serious. If left untreated, the disease may result in chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. In serious cases, it may even lead to cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Medications will likely be prescribed to decrease the effects of an arrhythmia; oftentimes, medication will be the only treatment necessary. In some cases, an ablation will need to be done to permanently correct the irregular heart rhythm.