Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular Disease
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Synonyms	Heart disease, circulatory disease
Pronounce
Specialty	Cardiology
Symptoms	Varies (chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue)
Complications	Heart attack, stroke, heart failure
Onset
Duration
Types	Coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias
Causes	Smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure
Risks	Age, family history
Diagnosis	Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Healthy eating, regular exercise, not smoking
Treatment	Medication, surgery, lifestyle changes
Medication	Statins, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis. This system is crucial for overall health and the functionality of the human body.

Structure

The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels such as arteries, veins, and capillaries, and the blood itself. The heart acts as a pump to push blood through the circulatory system. Blood vessels transport blood throughout the body, and blood carries the necessary substances to and from different tissues.

Function

The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to maintain blood flow to all parts of the body, allowing organs to function properly. This is essential for sustaining life and promoting optimal health. The system also plays a key role in the body's immune response and in maintaining a stable internal environment — a process known as homeostasis.

Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include:

• Coronary artery disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle;
• Cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain;
• Peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs;
• Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria;
• Congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth;
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease generally begins with a physical examination, including a history taking, and may be followed by blood tests, electrocardiograms, and imaging tests. Further specialized tests may also be used to confirm or rule out different forms of disease.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of CVD involves improving risk factors through: healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol intake. Treatment of CVD involves a combination of lifestyle modification, medication, and potentially surgery depending on the specific disease.

Epidemiology

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. The risk factors include smoking, diet, and lifestyle, which can be modified to reduce the risk.