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 What is radial-artery catheterization?
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Cardiac catheterization involves the insertion of small tubes into a chamber or vessel of the heart under X-ray guidance to detect obstructions or malformations. Nearly 4 million cardiac catheterizations are performed in the United States each year.... Full Answer
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- Q Does eating nuts decrease my risk for coronary heart disease?
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Nuts, when part of a balanced diet, may help decrease your risk for coronary heart disease. Nuts help lower LDL-cholesterol (sometimes called "bad cholesterol"), improve the health of your arteries, and reduce the risk for blood clots. Nuts pack a lot of... Full Answer
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- Q How can fiber in vegetables help protect against heart disease?
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Parents have been saying it for decades, “Eat your fruits and vegetables.” They know what they’re talking about. Research has shown eating fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Up to 6 servings... Full Answer
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- Q What is bradycardia (slow heart rate)?
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Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats less than 60 beats per minute. In some patients, who are otherwise healthy, the heartbeat may slow to less than 60 beats per minute while resting or sleeping. This usually causes no symptoms and does... Full Answer
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- Q How is coronary artery disease treated?
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Coronary artery disease is a blockage of the coronary arteries, which are blood vessels that lie on the surface of the heart and supply the heart muscle with blood. There are a number of "risk factors" that cause a patient to develop coronary artery... Full Answer
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- Q What causes coronary artery disease?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyBelly fat and high blood pressure can cause coronary artery disease. Watch the video to find out from Dr. Oz what else can cause coronary artery disease. Full Answer
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- Q What is the heart?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAs the symbol of love and courage, the heart is more than just inspiration for songwriters, poets, tattoo artists, and celebrity stalkers. And it's more than just a symbol for life. It is life. Much like the water main of your anatomical house, your... Full Answer
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- Q What is a heart palpitation?
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Heart palpitations describe the experience of feeling as though the heart is pounding or racing, that the heartbeat is irregular or rapid or that the heart is skipping beats. Palpitations can be felt in the chest, throat and neck. Many people experience... Full Answer
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- Q How should I eat to protect my heart?
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Here are some practical tips for a heart-healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet with fish two to three times a week, if possible. Choose lean cuts of meat, and remove fats from meats and skin from chicken before cooking. Eat up to six ounces per day.... Full Answer
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- Q What is blood pressure?
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