The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The job of the cardiovascular system is to deliver blood to the tissues, muscles and bones of the body.
Function
The cardiovascular system transports oxygenated blood from the lungs to the tissues, delivers nutrients to the cells of the body, removes waste, regulates body temperature, prevents dehydration and transports hormones.
Organs
The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels include veins, venules, arteries, arterioles and capillaries.
Circulation
The heart pumps blood through arteries and veins, this process is called circulation. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart and veins carry oxygen-reduced blood to the heart.
Disease
Diseases of the cardiovascular system include coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, congenital heart disease, and cardiomyopathy or enlarged heart.
Considerations
According to the American Heart Association, the best way to keep the cardiovascular system healthy is to eat a healthy diet and participate in at least 30 minutes of low-to-moderate physical activity most days of the week.
References
- "ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer, second edition;" American College of Sports Medicine; 2001
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Health Fact Sheet
