- Allergy treatment
- Antimicrobials for systemic use
- Antiparasitic drugs
- Cardiovascular system
- Dermatology
- Drugs affecting metabolism
- Drugs used in sensory organ disorders
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Haemopoietic system and blood
- Locomotor system
- Nervous system
- Respiratory system
- Systemic hormones
- Urogenital system and Sexual hormones
Cardiovascular system
- Cardiovascular system overview
- Classification of Cardiovascular disease
- Most common Cardiovascular disease
Let's try to describe shortly the most common cardiovascular diseases:
Atherosclerosis is a condition when inner walls of blood vessels becomes narrower due to formation of plaques. Plaques consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium are deposited on the surface of the blood vessels and may decrease or block blood flow. This can provoke heart attacks and strokes. The risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- Insufficient physical activity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
The treatment of atherosclerosis include lifestyle modifications, medications, special procedures.
Coronary heart diseases (CHD) or coronary artery diseases is the number one cause of mortality in the USA. The disease affects coronary arteries (heart arteries). CHD may provoke heart attacks and angina. The risk factors of coronary heart disease are similar to atherosclerosis: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, not being physically active and others. The treatment includes medications, life style changes and certain surgical procedures.
Angina usually refers to chest pain. It occurs when cardiac tissue does not receive enough blood. Patients with angina complain on pressing chest pain. Pain can sometimes irradiate to back, neck, arms, jaw. The most common angina triggers include: physically exertions, smoking, alcohol, extreme cold or heat. Angina treatments include: antianginal medications, life style changes, procedures.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure occurs when pressure inside blood vessels becomes higher than normal. The normal blood pressure is considered 90-120 mmHg for systolic blood pressure, and 60-80 for diastolic blood pressure. Hypertension typically develops over many years. At the beginning it does not cause any significant problems. However, over time the decrease of elasticity (hardening) of the blood vessels may significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis development. If not treated, hypertension can lead to:
- Renal damage
- Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes or heart problems
Treatment of high blood pressure includes:
- Healthy diet
- Weight loosing
- Reducing in salt consumption
- Avoid frequent alcohol drinking
- Quit smoking
- Moderate physical exercising
Heart Failure
Heart failure develops when the heart is not able to pump blood for normal vital functions. Heart failure develops over the years and can have a large negative impact on a person's life. Heart failure is divided into chronic and acute.
Congestive heart failure treatments include medications (cardiotonics), mechanical heart pumps, heart transplants, life style changes.
It is important to understand that most common cardiovascular diseases can be prevented. By learning about cardiovascular health and following some instructions and recommendations may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The health of cardiovascular system begins with understanding of cardiovascular system and diseases, learning about risk factors and trying to modify your life style to minimize these risks.
