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 pericarditis?
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The membrane that surrounds and protects your heart is known as the pericardium. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. It occurs in two forms: acute (sudden and short-lived) and chronic (persistent over long... Full Answer
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- Q What causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
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The most common cause of peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) is atherosclerosis. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. The disease may start when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors include: Smoking High... Full Answer
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- Q What is a coronary artery bypass graft?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyA coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG for short, is a surgical procedure to treat coronary artery disease. Watch this animation to learn more about the procedure. Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) describes the arteries in legs or arms becoming narrow - which restricts blood flow. PAD is usually caused by plaque buildup in the arterial walls (known as atherosclerosis). Plaque is composed of cholesterol-rich fatty... Full Answer
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- Q How is myocarditis treated?
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Determining the proper therapy for myocarditis is controversial. Some doctors believe in suppressing the immune system using medications while others do not. Most cases subside in a few weeks without medical treatment. Lifestyle changes such as consuming... Full Answer
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- Q How can peripheral artery disease (PAD) be prevented?
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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
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- Q What is bacterial (infective) endocarditis (BE)?
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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
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- Q How is an arteriovenous malformation diagnosed?
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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
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- Q How is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated?
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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
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- Q What causes myocarditis?
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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
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