Cardiovascular System Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death worldwide. These diseases can cause serious health problems by affecting the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. Here is detailed information about cardiovascular diseases:
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked. This causes the heart to not receive enough oxygen and nutrients and can lead to serious problems such as angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
Treatment Methods:
- Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise)
- Medication
- Surgical interventions (angioplasty, bypass surgery)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is a condition of persistently high blood pressure against the artery walls. If uncontrolled, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health problems.
Symptoms
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds (rarely)
Treatment Methods:
- Dietary changes (low salt intake)
- Regular exercise
- Medication
Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmia)
Arrhythmia is when the heart beats outside its normal rhythm. The heartbeat can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregular. This can cause blood circulation not to take place effectively.
Symptoms
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
Treatment Methods:
- Medication
- Electrical cardioversion
- Pacemaker implantation
Peripheral Vascular Occlusions
Peripheral vascular occlusions are usually caused by narrowing or blockage of the veins in the legs. This can lead to reduced blood flow in the affected area and serious complications.
Symptoms:
- Pain or cramping in the legs
- Leg fatigue during walking
- Coldness in the feet and legs
Treatment Methods:
- Exercise therapy
- Medication
- Surgical interventions (angioplasty, bypass surgery)
Reynaud's Disease
Reynaud’s disease is caused by hypersensitivity of the small veins in the fingers and toes. Cold weather or stress causes these veins to constrict and the affected area can become white, bruised and red.
Symptoms:
- Whitening, bruising and redness of the fingers
- Numbness in the fingers after cold or stress
- Pain or discomfort in the fingers
Treatment Methods:
- Protection from cold
- Stress management
- Medication
Circulatory Disorders
Reynaud’s disease is caused by hypersensitivity of the small veins in the fingers and toes. Cold weather or stress causes these veins to constrict and the affected area can become white, bruised and red.
Symptoms:
- Whitening, bruising and redness of the fingers
- Numbness in the fingers after cold or stress
- Pain or discomfort in the fingers
Treatment Methods:
- Protection from cold
- Stress management
- Medication
Circulatory Disorders
Circulatory disorders are when blood cannot circulate effectively throughout the body. These disorders can lead to a variety of health problems and can result in organs not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the feet and legs
- Shortness of breath
Treatment Methods:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication
- Physical therapy
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are enlarged and tortuous superficial veins, especially in the legs. Varicose veins can often be prominent and uncomfortable.
Symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in the legs
- Prominent veins on the skin surface
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
Treatment Methods:
- Compression stockings
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser treatment
- Surgical intervention
Cardiovascular diseases can be controlled with early diagnosis and treatment. Adopting healthy living habits, having regular check-ups and following doctor’s recommendations play an important role in the prevention and management of these diseases.