What are the common diseases of circulatory system?
Common diseases of the circulatory system include:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- Also known as ischemic heart disease, CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, often due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and a heart attack if blood flow to the heart is severely compromised.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
- A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, typically caused by a blood clot forming in a narrowed coronary artery. It can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
3. Stroke:
- Strokes occur due to a disruption in the blood supply to a part of the brain. This can be caused by a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, speech difficulties, vision problems, and cognitive impairments.
4. Heart Failure:
- Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, valve problems, and cardiomyopathy. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the feet and ankles, and decreased exercise tolerance.
5. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
- Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently elevated. Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, increasing the risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems.
6. Arrhythmias:
- Arrhythmias refer to disorders in the heart's electrical conduction system, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias may not cause symptoms, while others can lead to palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and even sudden cardiac arrest.
7. Valvular Heart Disease:
- Valvular heart disease occurs when the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to abnormal blood flow patterns in the heart. It can be caused by various conditions, such as rheumatic fever, infections, congenital defects, or age-related changes. Valvular heart disease can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue.
8. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
- DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. If the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of DVT may include leg pain, swelling, and tenderness.
9. Atherosclerosis:
- Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of many circulatory system diseases. It refers to the buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and other substances on the inner walls of arteries. This plaque buildup narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.