The heart works with the blood vessels to deliver oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. It also receives de-oxygenated blood from all parts of the body, which it delivers to the lungs for oxygenation. Clearly, anything that prevents the heart from functioning properly may prevent delivery of oxygenated blood to the body, among other effects. Some diseases that can affect the heart are inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias
The heart is made of four chambers that beat in an organized way to effectively pump blood through out the body. The rhythmic beating of the heart is controlled by the electrical system of the heart. When the heart's electrical system malfunctions, arrhythmias occur. Arrhythmias refer to abnormal heart beats that may or may not be harmless. This condition may result in the heart beating too slowly, too fast or irregularly. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute suggests that when the heart beats abnormally, it may not be able to pump blood to the rest of the body. This can damage the heart as well as other organs in the body due to lack of adequate blood supply and oxygen.
High Blood Pressure
When blood moves through the arteries, veins and other blood vessels, it exerts pressure against their walls. In high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, this pressure rises and may remain high for a period of time. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and can lead to heart problems like heart failure where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition that can lead to a heart attack. In atherosclerosis, there is accumulation of fatty materials on the walls of the blood vessels. The accumulated materials eventually harden and become a substance called plaque. When the plaque ruptures, blood clots form at the area of rupture. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or completely blocked. Due to lack of oxygen rich blood, the cells in the heart begin to die, and the heart's pumping ability is reduced. Accumulated plaque or blood clots in the hearts arteries can reduce or block blood supply to the heart.
Endocarditis
The heart is made up of three layers--the pericardium, which is the outer layer; the myocardium, which is found in the middle of the heart; and the endocardium, which is the innermost layer of the heart. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's endocardium. It occurs when disease-causing organisms travel through the blood stream to the heart. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, endocarditis can cause heart problems such as heart failure, heart block and heart valve damage.
References
- National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute: What is an Arrhythmia?
- Mayo Clinic: Atherosclerosis/Arteriosclerosis
- American Heart Association: The Heart's Electrical System: Working and Not
- American Heart Association: What is High Blood Pressure?
- National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute: What is Endocarditis?
