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Heart attack

Heart attack occurs when the flow of blood is blocked by a blood clot. If the clot cuts off the blood flow completely the specific part of the heart that is supplied by the clogged artery stops working and eventually begins to lose its functions and die. Many patients survive heart attack and return to normal, but one should make certain changes in order to maintain their overall health. Your doctor will advise about medications that may be needed as well as lifestyle changes according to how much and how bad the heart is damaged.

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is usually caused when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked from a blood clot. When blood supply to a certain part of the brain is disrupted, then brain cells will be damaged or will die. This results in an inability to carry out some of the main functions of the brain such as walking and talking.

Hemorragic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. The most likely cause for hemorrhagic stroke is hypertension.

Heart failure

Heart failure, or congestive heart failure, is a condition that causes the heart to pump less blood than it should. This doesn’t mean your heart stops completely, but usually the body's need for enoguh blood and oxygen isn't fulfilled. Heart failure can cause complications if not treated.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart muscle. There are different types of arrhythmia - the heart can beat slower or too fast or beat irregularly.

Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate is less than 60 bpm (beats per minute). Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate is more than 100 bpm. Arrhythmia can affect the work of the heart - it may not be able to pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

Heart valve problems and conditions

When the heart valves do not open enough in order to allow the normal flow of blood – this is a condition known as stenosis. When the heart valves do not close properly and thus allow blood to leak – this is a condition known as regurgitation.

When the valve leaflets are bulging or prolapsing back into the upper chamber, this is a condition that is known as a mitral valve prolapse. With this condition the valve leaflets may not close properly which allows blood flowing backward through them.

Common symptoms of heart and cardiovascular diseases

Many cardiovascular diseases have little to none symptoms or characteristics to show. Diseases of the heart and vessels often develop slowly and therefore primary prevention and regular check-ups are of particular importance.

Essential symptoms often appear only after serious injuries, caused by atherosclerotic processes, blocking of the vessels, etc.

Of course, there are some indications that may signal potential problems with the heart and vessels. Such symptoms are:

• leg cramps
• discoloration of the skin
• fever
• frequent headaches
• fatigue
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• swollen ankles

First Aid and Emergency care for diseases of the cardiovascular system

Among emergency cardiac conditions is heart attack. He is due to blockage or a pop of a blood vessel, followed by disruption of blood flow in the heart muscle. This condition can lead to death of muscle tissue as well as disruption of the heart rhythm, cardiac arrest and death.

According to statistics heart attack is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest worldwide.

What are the major warning signs?

• existing chronic heart disease;
• chest pain
• tightness in the chest
• tightness, cramping, numbness in the neck and left arm
• pale, cool skin
• cold sweat
• rapid pulse
• shallow, rapid breathing
• panic attack
• unconsciousness
• agonal breathing

How to help?

• place the suffering person in stable, semi-sitting position
• ask the patient whether he or she is taking any prescribed medications
• loosen all clothing, belts, etc.
• stay with the injured person until the arrival of an ambulance
• call the emergency number 112
• check periodically for signs of unconsciousness
• check pulse

Risk factors

Among the main risk factors for cardiovascular and heart diseases are:

• age
• gender
• history of tobacco use
• physical inactivity
• raised levels of alcohol consumption
• diet
• obesity
• family history
• hypertension (raised blood pressure)
• diabetes (raised blood sugar , diabetes mellitus)
• hyperlipidemia (raised blood cholesterol)
• various psychosocial factors
• raised levels of air pollution

How diseases of the cardiovascular system are treated. What tests are needed.

Diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system are often characterized by pathological functional and structural changes that affect the heart and blood vessels.

The causes of cardiovascular disease are complex. This defines a wide variety of medicaments for the prophylaxis and treatment of heart diseases, which address the various medical problems.

Some medications improve the pumping function of the heart, while others are designed to regulate heart rhythm to commonly used medications for cardiovascular problems fall vaso-dilating drugs, some anti-inflammatory medication and others.

Treatment of heart disease is complex and must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist – a cardiologist. Taking medications should be considered only after consulting a doctor and according to his instructions.

Diagnosis of heart disease

Heart disease is established with a detailed medical history, a detailed description of symptoms and with comparative results from different studies. Consult a cardiologist regularly and do not miss the annual check-ups.

Common types of medical tests and research

Non-invasive electrocardiogram is a test procedure for recording electrical impulses emitted by the heart. ECG recording presents these signals and can help your doctor to identify disturbances in the rhythm or structure of the heart.

Echocardiography - ultrasound, which gives a detailed picture of the structure of the heart. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is used in studies of heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia. Other tests that may be requested are full blood tests, cardiac catheterization or X-ray of the chest.

Medication

Drug treatments for heart disease

• antiplatelet (antiaggregant) agents
• anticoagulants (drugs, limiting blood clotting)
• beta-blockers
• nitrates
• calcium channel blockers
• diuretics

Management

Cardiovascular disease is treatable with initial treatment primarily focused on diet and lifestyle interventions.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading cause of death. In 2008 studies show 30% of all global death is attributed to diseases of the heart.

The increase in blood pressure can lead to hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis. Thanks to modern medicine today most cardiovascular diseases have adequate prevention and treatment. However, as much as 17+ million people die from heart and cardiovascular diseases every year.

The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease incl.:

• tobacco smoking
• atherosclerosis
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• distress
• obesity
• diabetes

Reducing the general consumption of alcohol, red meats, tobacco and fatty foods can benefit the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

Diet for heart disease and cardiovascular conditions

Patients with cardiovascular disease and those at risk should take rich food. A vegetarian diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains is recommended. Fish and fish oil contain essential for vascular system omega-3 fatty acid. Avoid greasy, heavy foods, alcohol, tobacco and foods containing with a lot of preservatives. Salt consumption should be limited significantly as well as the consumption of caffeine and carbonated drinks.

Attending regular screening and medical check-ups is essential for early diagnosis and good prognosis of cardiovascular disease.

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