The circulatory system plays a role in sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. When blood flow to certain body parts is reduced due to a condition, this can cause various symptoms due to disorders of the circulatory system.
The circulatory system consists of the heart and blood vessels, which include arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system which has a function to pump blood throughout the body.
Arteries and veins have different functions. Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, then veins carry blood back to the heart. A network of capillaries connects arteries and veins, delivers nutrients and oxygen to the body's cells, and excretes metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide.
Some Disorders of the Circulatory System
If the blood flow is disturbed, the organs of the body will be damaged and lead to several diseases. The following are some disorders of the circulatory system that you need to be aware of:
1. High blood pressure (hypertension)
One of the most common disorders of the circulatory system is high blood pressure. Hypertension is often asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they can include headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and certain organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
2. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition when the arteries harden and stiffen, thereby interfering with the flow of blood to the organs and tissues of the body. Atherosclerosis occurs due to the buildup of cholesterol, calcium, and connective tissue in the artery walls due to the inflammatory process.
Factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. In its early stages, atherosclerosis generally causes no symptoms.
However, over time, this condition can cause the arteries to narrow greatly, thereby blocking blood flow to important body organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, as well as certain body parts, such as the arms and legs.
3. Heart attack
A heart attack is a serious disorder of the circulatory system and is classified as a medical emergency. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked. Usually this is caused by a blood clot in the arteries of the heart or atherosclerosis.
Some of the symptoms of a heart attack, namely chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling weak, and the emergence of extraordinary feelings of anxiety. The main cause of heart attack is coronary heart disease.
4. Deep vein thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis is a condition when a vein is blocked by a blood clot. This condition often occurs in the leg area.
This disease can cause symptoms in the form of swollen and painful legs, and the skin on the affected limbs becomes red and feels warm. If left untreated, DVT can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism. This is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
5. Ischemia
Ischemia is the medical term used when the tissue does not get an adequate supply of oxygen, for example in the heart muscle. Heart ischemia is usually caused by narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
6. Stroke
Stroke is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off or is interrupted. This can cause brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
One of the causes is the blockage by a blood clot in the blood vessels that supply blood and nutrients to the brain. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is done.
Disorders of the circulatory system is not something that can be taken lightly. These conditions require immediate medical attention.
Therefore, to prevent disturbances in the circulatory system, it is important for you to lead a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced nutritious diet and limiting salt intake.
You are also advised to undergo regular health checks or check-up regularly to the doctor to ensure that there are no disorders of the circulatory system or other diseases in your body.