How Does Heart Disease Affect The Body?
Complications from heart disease are the leading cause of death in the United States, England and Canada. Heart disease refers to the narrowing the the coronary arteries, blocking the flow of blood to the body. The term heart disease comprises many heart conditions such as:
To better understand the affects of disease on the body, it is important to evaluate the circulatory system and the roll of the heart in it. The circulatory system, is comprised of blood, the heart, and the blood vessels that supply oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the body.
In order for normal body function to occur, oxygen and nutrients must be delivered to the body's cells and tissues. Any malfunction of the circulatory system results in heart disease and affects the body's metabolism.
Coronary artery disease is the result of plaque on the arterial walls, causing the blocking off of the blood vessels. Blood clots form in the cracks of the plaque, which can grow to close off the artery to the normal flow of blood. If the flow of blood is blocked, it will have a major impact on the other organs of the body, namely, the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Peripheral vascular disease is a result of blocked arteries in the arms or legs. It may disturb the ability to move the extremities, which can lead to disability. At times, these plaques can rupture, leading to the closure of the artery. It can also cause the skin to break down causing skin ulcers of the lower extremities. Additionally, plaque can break off and travel through the blood stream to the heart or lungs causing cardiac or respiratory arrest. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention or it can lead to the death of the patient.
For example, a woman, born with a congenital heart disease can consider pregnancy, but the risk factors for both the mother and baby must be evaluated before pregnancy begins. Otherwise, there is a risk for maternal and/or fetal death during the pregnancy.
This is how heart disease affects the overall functioning of the body. A diagnosis of heart disease may cause stress and/or depression of the patient. Though stress and heart disease are claimed to be interrelated, clinically, no proof exists to explain how stress causes heart disease. Risk factors can be controlled for heart disease such as quitting smoking, avoid alcohol, control of hypertension, reducing high cholesterol levels, losing weight, and getting regular exercise.
To better understand the affects of disease on the body, it is important to evaluate the circulatory system and the roll of the heart in it. The circulatory system, is comprised of blood, the heart, and the blood vessels that supply oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the body.
In order for normal body function to occur, oxygen and nutrients must be delivered to the body's cells and tissues. Any malfunction of the circulatory system results in heart disease and affects the body's metabolism.
Coronary artery disease is the result of plaque on the arterial walls, causing the blocking off of the blood vessels. Blood clots form in the cracks of the plaque, which can grow to close off the artery to the normal flow of blood. If the flow of blood is blocked, it will have a major impact on the other organs of the body, namely, the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Peripheral vascular disease is a result of blocked arteries in the arms or legs. It may disturb the ability to move the extremities, which can lead to disability. At times, these plaques can rupture, leading to the closure of the artery. It can also cause the skin to break down causing skin ulcers of the lower extremities. Additionally, plaque can break off and travel through the blood stream to the heart or lungs causing cardiac or respiratory arrest. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention or it can lead to the death of the patient.
For example, a woman, born with a congenital heart disease can consider pregnancy, but the risk factors for both the mother and baby must be evaluated before pregnancy begins. Otherwise, there is a risk for maternal and/or fetal death during the pregnancy.
This is how heart disease affects the overall functioning of the body. A diagnosis of heart disease may cause stress and/or depression of the patient. Though stress and heart disease are claimed to be interrelated, clinically, no proof exists to explain how stress causes heart disease. Risk factors can be controlled for heart disease such as quitting smoking, avoid alcohol, control of hypertension, reducing high cholesterol levels, losing weight, and getting regular exercise.
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