Heart and Circulatory System
Your circulatory system is made up of your heart, blood, blood vessels and lungs. In your circulatory system your heart pumps blood transporting nutrients, water and oxygen to your bodys cells. Your circulatory system allows your lungs to rid the body of waste and carbon dioxide and bring oxygen into your blood.
Exercise and healthy eating are two ways you can help keep your circulatory system healthy. Smoking does damage to healthy blood circulation. When you smoke the carbon monoxide and nicotine entering your body have negative effects on your blood and blood vessels and constrict circulation.
Signs of poor circulation include cold hands and feet, numbness, dizziness, migraines, varicose veins and pain in your feet or legs. Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms. Untreated, poor circulation can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, kidney damage and other diseases.
Recently Answered
- Q How can peripheral artery disease (PAD) be prevented?
-
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, or buildup of plaque in the arterial walls. Plaque - composed of cholesterol-rich fatty deposits, collagen and other proteins, as well as excess smooth muscle cells - gradually accumulates, causing the... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What is bacterial (infective) endocarditis (BE)?
-
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious infection of the heart's inner lining or valves. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Bacteria are normally found in various places in the body, including on... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How is an arteriovenous malformation diagnosed?
-
AVMs are usually diagnosed by a computed tomography (CT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If an AVM is found by either of these methods, an angiogram is typically used to view the AVM in more detail. Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated?
-
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are treated with a combination of three methods: Endovascular embolization By inserting a catheter through the groin to the area the AVM is located, the doctor is able to inject a plastic glue into the AVM, which cuts... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What causes myocarditis?
-
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), usually due to a viral infection. In many cases, myocarditis produces no noticeable symptoms, although severe cases may cause serious disturbances of the heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia),... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is peripheral artery disease (PAD) diagnosed?
-
The ankle brachial index (ABI) is one test used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. If the blood pressure in the lower part of your leg is lower than the... Full Answer
6 Answers
A
- Q What are the symptoms of myocarditis?
-
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle that is often seen after a typical viral illness, though it can also be caused by bacteria, fungus, or certain chemicals. Patients will frequently report being sick with fever, aches, runny nose, or a cough... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is peripheral artery disease (PAD) treated?
-
Select patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) can take advantage of rapidly expanding endovascular techniques including angioplasty and stenting. Both are attractive options for patients who have severe PAD involving the upper (subclavian... Full Answer
10 Answers
A
- Q Why is fish good for heart health?
-
Emilia Klapp, Nutrition & DieteticsFish, especially “oily fish” such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are a type of polyunsaturated fat that our bodies cannot manufacture or can’t produce in sufficient amounts. Omega-3 fatty... Full Answer
4 Answers
A
- Q Is balloon angioplasty better than coronary artery bypass graft surgery?
-
Dr. Dean Ornish, Internal MedicineIn 1977, Dr. Andreas Gruentzig invented balloon angioplasty, a somewhat less invasive approach than coronary bypass surgery. In this procedure, a small balloon is passed through a tube inside a blocked coronary artery. The balloon is inflated, squishing... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
