The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels, which work together to deliver oxygenated blood to the body and transport oxygen-deficient blood back to the lungs for reoxygenation. The function of the cardiovascular system may be impaired by diseases that affect either the heart or blood vessels.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, is also known as coronary artery disease. It is a disease that affects the blood vessels, specifically the arteries that supply the heart with blood. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that coronary artery disease is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrow, and blood supply to the heart decreases. The coronary arteries can narrow when plaque--a hard substance made of fat, cholesterol and other materials in the body--builds up inside them. Some risk factors for coronary artery disease are high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol levels.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart's valves are damaged by an inflammatory condition called rheumatic fever, which follows a bacterial throat infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Rheumatic fever causes inflammation of many parts of the body, including the heart, and the damage to the heart is permanent. To prevent rheumatic heart disease, the American Heart Association suggests treating bacterial throat infections promptly.
Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta delivers blood to all parts of the body. It originates from the left side of the heart and branches out to different parts of the body including the abdomen. An aortic aneurysm is a condition where part of the aorta becomes weak and bulges out like a balloon. Aneurysms often rupture suddenly, which can lead to massive internal bleeding and death. An aortic aneurysm may occur in the chest or abdomen. Risk factors for an aortic aneurysm include, any condition that can weaken the walls of the aorta, such as high blood pressure, smoking and atherosclerosis.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins. When a piece of blood clot breaks off from the vein, it is called an embolus. DVTs typically occur in the legs and an embolus can potentially travel to the heart and lungs, where it obstructs blood flow and can cause a heart attack or death. DVTs can also stay in place, blocking blood flow in the legs. Risk factors for DVT include recent surgery or childbirth, obesity, and birth control pills.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
- Texas Heart Institute Heart Information Center: Aneurysms and Dissections
- American Heart Association: Rheumatic Heart Disease / Rheumatic Fever
- Mayo Clinic: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- "The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke"; Judith Mackay, George A. Mensah, Shanthi Mendis, Kurt Greenlund; 2004.
