DISEASES OF THE

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Chronic disease caused by the deposition of fats,

cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the
innermost layer of endothelium of the large and
medium-sized arteries. Atherosclerosis is the
most common arterial abnormality characterized
as arteriosclerosis, which is defined by the loss
of arterial elasticity due to vessel thickening and
stiffening.

TREATMENT

Angioplasty, also known as balloon

angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal
angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally
invasive, endovascular procedure to widen
narrowed or obstructed arteries or veins,
typically to treat arterial atherosclerosis. A
deflated balloon attached to a catheter
(a balloon catheter) is passed over a guide-wire
into the narrowed vessel and then inflated to a
fixed size. The balloon forces expansion of the
blood vessel and the surrounding muscular wall,
allowing an improved blood flow. A stent may
be inserted at the time of ballooning to ensure
the vessel remains open, and the balloon is then
deflated and withdrawn. Angioplasty has come
to include all manner of vascular interventions
that are typically performed percutaneously.
HYPERTENSION
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs
when a high force of blood presses against the
artery walls over time. This condition can
develop from a diet high in salt, smoking, kidney
disease, or some other underlying medical
condition. Untreated high blood pressure may
lead to stroke, heart failure, or visual problems.

Classification of blood pressure for adults]

systolic, mm diastolic,
Category
Hg mm Hg

Normal 90–119 60–79

Stage 1
140–159 90–99
hypertension

Stage 3
≥180 ≥110
hypertension

Isolated systolic
≥140 <90
hypertension
AORTIC ANEURYSM

Another common disease of the circulatory

system is an aortic aneurysm. An aortic
aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta
bulges, stretches, and swells. This bulge can
weaken the aorta to the point that it bursts,
releasing blood into the body. Bleeding from an
aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency that can
be caused by high blood pressure, smoking,
aging, high cholesterol, and a positive family
history.

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Heart disease, or coronary artery disease,

occurs when the blood vessels that supply
oxygen to the heart narrow and stiffen. Smoking,
an unhealthy diet, stress, and a sedentary
lifestyle all increase the risk of heart disease. A
heart attack or stroke can occur if the condition
is untreated
 VARICOSE VEIN

Varicose veins are another common disease of

the circulatory system that happens when veins
in the legs twist, swell, and become painful.
Aging, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and
defective valves can all contribute to the
development of varicose veins. Most of the time
varicose veins can be treated by elevating the
lower extremities, avoiding prolonged standing
or sitting positions, and wearing supportive
stockings.

ANGINA

Angina is a symptom of an underlying heart

condition that occurs when the flow of blood and
oxygen are restricted to the heart muscles.
Symptoms of angina include:
 Chest pain
 Pressure or squeezing in the chest
 Frequent or infrequent chest pain.
 Tightness in chest
Diabetes, hypertension, smoking and other
circulatory diseases can increase the risk for
angina.
 ARRYTHMIA

An arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats too

fast, too slow, or skips a beat. Common
symptoms of arrhythmias include:
 Fatigue
 Shortness of breath
 Chest pain
Arrhythmias can develop from a congenital heart
defect, diabetes, stress, medications, a heart
attack, or high blood pressure. Medications can
be given to slow down the heart rate. A
pacemaker may be surgically implanted in those
individuals that do not respond to medications.
RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE
Rheumatic heart disease is caused by an
inflammation of the inner lining or failure of
the heart valve to close. This causes a blood leak
that produces a heart murmur. The symptoms of
the disease are shortness of breath, palpitations
and irregular heartbeat. Bed rest is needed by
the patient.

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

This is an inborn ailment. It is a defect in the
structure of the heart during the development in
the wound because of some factors like the
mother getting sick during pregnancy or a kind
of infection during pregnancy. Some of
the symptoms are shortness of breath and
blueness in the nails because of low levels of
oxygen in the blood. This could be treated by
surgery to fix the heart defect and improve
the blood circulation. Rest is also needed.
 PREVENTION

Heart disease may be a leading cause of death, but that

doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate.
Although you lack the power to change some risk factors
— such as family history, sex or age — there are some
key heart disease prevention steps you can take to
reduce your risk.

Activities such as gardening, housekeeping, taking the

stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total.
You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve
benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing
the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.
Smoking or using tobacco of any kind is one of the most
significant risk factors for developing heart disease.
Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood
vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries due to
plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
Getting some regular, daily exercise can reduce your
risk of heart disease. And when you combine physical
activity with other lifestyle measures, such as
maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.
Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart
disease. Two examples of heart-healthy food plans
include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
(DASH) eating plan and the Mediterranean diet.