Heart disease and its complications are the leading cause of death in the United States, according to 2009 information from MayoClinic.com. The heart is solely responsible for pumping blood to the entire body, from the feet and hands to the brain. All the systems in the body depend on the bloodstream to deliver oxygen, nutrients and chemicals, such as hormones, as well as to carry away waste material and excess fluids. Heart disease can cause the circulatory system to function inefficiently or, at worst, cause a dire medical condition like heart attack or stroke.
Anatomy
The human body actually has two circulatory systems, according to KidsHealth.org. The pulmonary system is a loop from the heart through the pulmonary artery to the lungs and back to the heart. Systemic circulation carries blood from the heart through the aorta to all other systems of the body, according to Merriam-Webster MedlinePlus. Two coronary arteries branch off the aorta to deliver blood to the muscles of the heart; if blood flow is reduced, a heart attack may occur. Systemic heart disease can affect any or all body systems.
Types
Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions; the most common type is coronary heart disease, or CAD, which can cause heart attacks, heart failure and arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cause
Coronary artery disease most often results from atherosclerosis, which is when plaque builds up on the insides of the arteries. This narrows the blood vessels, squeezing the blood into a smaller space, which results in high blood pressure. Plaque may cause a blockage in the artery, preventing blood from reaching the intended organ. This can cause distress or even death of the tissue. If plaque prevents blood from reaching the brain, the patient may have a stroke. If kidneys are denied blood, the person may suffer kidney failure. A heart attack can occur if plaque blocks the arteries that lead to the heart.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart disease can include chest pain and shortness of breath. Arms or legs may be numb, weak, cold or tingly if heart disease has affected circulation to the extremities, a condition known as peripheral vascular disease. If left untreated, this disease may lead to the inability to use the arm or leg, as well as causing skin ulcers due to the circulatory system's inability to bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues or carry waste material and excess fluids away.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made in a doctor's office. The doctor will measure vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, as well as take a detailed medical history. She will also listen to the patient's heart and lungs with a stethoscope. She may order blood tests and a chest X-ray, and will order an EKG to measure the heart's electrical activity. The doctor may also refer the patient to a specialist who will order further testing, such as an echocardiogram, MRI or cardiac catheterization to help him visualize the heart.
Treatment
Treatment may include diet and lifestyle changes, including a low fat, low sodium diet, increased exercise regimen and smoking cessation. Medicines are available by prescription to lower blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent the development and risk of plaque. If lifestyle changes and medicines don't work, there are medical procedures and surgeries available to open, repair or bypass blocked or damaged blood vessels.
