In the article, we consider the main diseases of the cardiovascular system. It has a rather complex structure, it includes a large number of veins, arteries and other organs. Its central link is the heart, which ensures the constant transportation of blood to all systems and organs of a person. This structure allows the body to function normally, it is established by nature. But various diseases of the cardiovascular system can change the natural order of things, and this, of course, will affect health.
Classification of diseases
Depending on the specifics of occurrence and course, heart disease can be of several main types:
- congenital (damage to blood vessels, valves and the heart of anatomical nature, which are laid even with the development inside the womb);
- rheumatic (heart disease occurs due to an inflammatory process in the connective tissue after tonsillitis or pharyngitis, provoked by any type of streptococcus);
- atherosclerotic (transformations of the coronary arteries of a chronic nature), which include diseases caused by high blood pressure;
- functional (defects in the activity of the heart muscle do not cause organic changes);
- syphilitic (the heart muscle is affected by syphilis).
It is important to know that one of the main causes of diseases of the cardiovascular system is its constant "underutilization".
Why do heart diseases occur?
First of all, it is necessary to note too much nervous tension, that is, hypertension, which appears in patients after suffering serious mental trauma, or appears as a result of long and strong experiences. In addition, atherosclerosis, which causes ischemic disease, is another reason (in turn, the causes of the first have not been fully established, there are only predisposing factors). Another cause of diseases of the cardiovascular system are infections - mainly beta-hemolytic streptococcus A, Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus, green streptococcus, rheumatism, causing pericarditis, myocarditis and septic endocarditis.
We continue to study the topic. The next cause of diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is necessary to identify developmental defects inside the womb, as a result of which congenital heart defects arise (non-closure of the oval window, open aortic duct, etc.).
In addition, injuries (large blood loss) can become a source of disease, resulting in acute vascular and heart failure. Other pathologies of the cardiovascular system may also be the causes of a number of diseases, for example, with myocarditis, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc.
In addition to the main causes of diseases of the human cardiovascular system, there are still a large number of factors predisposing the patient to various diseases of the organs of the heart system and blood vessels. These include the following:
- genetic predisposition (the presence of the disease in close relatives);
- lipid metabolism disorders;
- improper nutrition (increased consumption of foods that contain salt and animal fats);
- improper lifestyle (alcohol, smoking, violation of the regimes of rest and work, a sedentary lifestyle);
- changes in the activity of the endocrine system (for example, menopause);
- diseases of organs of other systems (hernia of the diaphragm in the esophagus, diabetes mellitus, gastric pathologies, gallstone disease);
- harmful factors of production (vibration, noise).
The main signs of disease
Diseases of the cardiovascular system are accompanied by such manifestations that resemble signs of other diseases. Consulting with a cardiologist is the best solution in such a situation. The following symptoms that may be associated with diseases in this area can alert the person:
- cough (dry; does not recede if the patient is lying);
- fatigue (accompanied by sleep disturbances, loss of concentration, in some cases, tremors of the legs and arms, one can judge cardiac neurosis);
- pale skin (characteristic of vascular spasms, inflammation in the heart);
- high temperature accompanying inflammatory processes in the heart muscle, in some cases causing fever;
- high blood pressure that can cause cerebral hemorrhage;
- rapid or rare pulse, characteristic of processes that cause damage to the activity of the heart;
- swelling caused by renal pathologies caused by heart failure;
- frequent dizziness, which are symptoms of blood pressure;
- difficulty breathing in heart failure and angina pectoris;
- vomiting and nausea caused by the adjacent stomach and lower region of the heart;
- pain "osteochondrosis", which is diagnosed in the left hand, in the spinal column;
- pain in the sternum, which can be either obvious or not very, spasmodic or aching - the first sign of heart pathologies.
Symptoms of diseases of the cardiovascular system are an occasion for an early visit to a doctor who can determine their true cause and take further measures.
It is important to remember that edema in pathologies of the heart is not their only manifestation. Even before this, some symptoms of organ failure can be noted.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system in the 8th grade of biology at school are studied in the section of human anatomy.
The specificity of known heart defects
In the sternum, pain can appear with a variety of diseases, and not only heart diseases. Neurological disorders, injuries, digestive and respiratory system pathologies, musculoskeletal defects also have a similar symptom.
Only the attending physician can establish the correct diagnosis, but there are also characteristic symptoms:
- coronary heart disease, when pain radiates to the neck, arms, back and throat; if prerequisites for occurrence are formed, then psychosomatics is of great importance;
- myocardial infarction: the attack lasts about thirty minutes, the use of drugs does not help, the pain intensifies, but sometimes it is completely absent (for example, with diabetes mellitus);
- damage to the heart valves: there is a feeling of heaviness in the chest during a breath of cold air, signs of valve dysfunction do not show the pathology, since the patient may not have them, and vice versa - rather serious symptoms of the disease can obscure the existence of a practically healthy person;
- arrhythmia, in which there is a feeling as if the heart is jumping out; in some patients, the symptoms of the disease are episodic or absent;
- heart failure - irregular frequent heart movements; sometimes accompanied by all the signs, however, the heart works well, or vice versa - there are practically no symptoms of the disease, but the heart is worn out;
- congenital heart defects, when signs of the disease may be absent, however, during a medical examination, it is unexpectedly detected.
These diseases of the cardiovascular system in the 8th grade of biology are described in a simpler language, when children get acquainted with the structure of a person.
By the way, a systematic selection of pharmacological drugs used to treat the heart is available in Rational Pharmacotherapy of Cardiovascular Diseases. Being inherently an instruction for competent people, it facilitates the choice of a particular drug and therapeutic regimen.
What are the symptoms of diseases of the cardiovascular system? In the 8th grade of biology, they are also discussed.
Sick heart: symptoms in men and women
It is noted that the clinical picture of heart disease is influenced by the gender of the patient, since his signs and treatment have some differences.
Men are more susceptible to them - mainly after 40 years. But women - after 55, when the estrogen level decreases. Symptoms of heart disease in male patients are different from female. Representatives of the weaker sex are characterized by:
- slight sensation of pain;
- colic, nausea and heartburn predominate;
- localization of pain mainly in the arms, back and between the shoulder blades;
- there is often a cough;
- there is a close relationship between heart attack and emotional upheaval.
Heart surgery in men is more effective than women. Medicines are more effective in use.
With the electrocardiogram made during the first signs of diseases of the vascular system and heart, the chance of establishing the correct diagnosis is significantly increased.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system in children
Symptoms of cardiac pathologies in children are the same as in adults. What should alert parents in the first months of a baby's life?
- The child often cries out loud.
- Experiencing sudden anxiety.
- Covered with cold sweat.
- It becomes lethargic and pale.
Weak weight gain, lack of appetite, impaired psychomotor development can speak of heart failure. Other disturbing symptoms will be: the presence of cyanosis - blue or bluish lip color; swelling; signs of rapid breathing or shortness of breath during physical exertion (it also happens at rest); heartache.
Heart problems during pregnancy
If modern medicines are used, then women with heart disease are able to endure a healthy child. However, there are some features. During pregnancy, a patient with heart failure becomes more tired even if she eats well and does not strain. Special control of a doctor requires a period from the 28th to the 34th week, since the heart of the expectant mother works at this time for wear.
During pregnancy, diseases of the organs of the cardiovascular system exacerbated by narrowing of the gaps of the heart valves. In addition, the damaged valve has an increased load due to the increased heart rate.
If a woman has rheumatic changes in her heart before her pregnancy, she needs surgery on the mitral valve. You can do it during the gestation, but actions on an open heart increase the likelihood of premature birth and miscarriage.
Interestingly, from the point of view of psychosomatics, active meditation and yoga are favorably affected by the heart.
Consider diseases of the cardiovascular system briefly.
The main syndromes of heart disease
Often with diseases of the vascular system and the heart, their symptoms are grouped into syndromes (similar symptom complexes, united by a common origin).
- Acute coronary insufficiency syndrome. A failure of the cardiac blood supply is carried out, leading to myocardial ischemia and the accumulation of lactic acid. There are irritations of the nerve endings, which patients feel like pain.
- Pulmonary chronic heart. The right heart ventricle is enlarged. Appears after lung disease or with an incorrect respiratory gas exchange.
- Arterial hypertension syndrome. Blood pressure rises (from 140/90 mm Hg. Art. And more). Primary hypertension appears without organic causes, while secondary hypertension occurs due to damage to the endocrine system and kidneys.
- Arrhythmia syndrome. Its occurrence is due to inflammatory changes in the myocardium, as well as defects in its nutrition, or after damage to the regulatory system of the heart.
- Cardiomegaly Syndrome The organ is quite large in size, arrhythmia and heart failure appear.
- Syndrome of hypertension of the small circle of blood circulation. The pressure in the pulmonary vessels increases.
- Blood circulation failure syndrome. It can be both vascular and cardiac.
It is worth noting that with disorders of the nervous autonomic system, vegetovascular cardial dystonia, which manifests itself as a disorder of the heart, can develop.
First aid for diseases of the cardiovascular system
Heart disease is unpredictable. First aid for heart pathologies, provided in a timely manner, can save the life of the patient. If signs of a heart attack occur, you need to:
- call a doctor;
- to lay the patient, releasing his neck and chest;
- ensure the use of necessary medicines (Validol, Nitroglycerin);
- if the patient is unconscious, do indirect cardiac massage and artificial respiration;
- grind legs and arms.
If one of the family members has this or that disease, other households should familiarize themselves with the main rules of first aid for pathologies of blood vessels and the heart. Of great importance in the treatment of acute heart diseases is also the sisterly process, which helps to alleviate the patient's external reaction to the established diagnosis.
Surgery as a treatment for heart and vascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are characterized by multicomponent treatment, which is based on the use of many techniques. The main directions and composition of the integrated influence should be established by a specialist. It is he who, given the symptoms, the conversation with the patient, the external examination and the results of the analysis, is able to select the optimal therapeutic plan, as well as determine its components.
But in some cases, a person is brought to a medical institution in a state where even a minimal delay can end sadly. Doctors in such cases resort to the most complex medical methods that require surgical intervention. Currently, cardiac surgeons are most often forced to do the following operations:
- heart transplant;
- coronary artery bypass grafting;
- heart valve surgery;
- elimination of aneurysm;
- Operation "Labyrinth";
- Bentall operation.
The intervention of the surgeon is an extreme measure, which is carried out only if it is impossible to treat the patient with any of the other methods. In this case, one has to resort to such manipulations in the most advanced cases, if the symptoms of pathology have been ignored for a long time, and the disease has caused a number of complications.
How is the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system?
The use of drugs and their classification
Treatment with medications is the most justified and avoids further exacerbation of the pathology. There are a large number of drugs whose purpose is to restore the functioning of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, each of them has a narrow focus and is responsible for the activities of a particular sector.
On this basis, when eliminating heart rhythm malfunctions, a specialist prescribes several drugs that are designed to normalize the pace and speed of contractions. To overcome the consequences of a stroke, there is a completely different list of drugs. To overcome the signs of diseases of the heart system and blood vessels in general, the following drugs are used:
- antiarrhythmic drugs;
- vasodilators;
- cardiotonics;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- beta-blockers;
- diuretics;
- type II angiotensin receptor antagonists;
- peripheral vasodilators;
- angioprotectors;
- calcium channel blockers;
- cardiac glycosides;
- drugs that affect the renin-angiotensin system;
- hypolipidemic agents.
Such categories of drugs include from 10 to 15 different components, which are quite specific. Their purpose is carried out depending on the diagnosed disease and the manifestation of characteristic signs.
Exercise therapy for diseases of the cardiovascular system is recommended not only in the acute period. This is a kind of supportive therapy. The program must take into account the diagnosis, stage of the disease, patient well-being. As a physical fit simple morning exercises, walks in the fresh air, outdoor activities.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
The importance of physiotherapy in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases is difficult to overestimate.Their positive effect on the course of the rehabilitation process is clinically proven. In this case, the purpose of the procedure is to eliminate vascular tension and improve blood circulation, which is achieved due to the relaxation of muscle fibers. These methods include:
- relaxing baths;
- massotherapy;
- paraffin therapy;
- infrared radiation;
- acupuncture;
- local barotherapy;
- ultratonotherapy.
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Diet
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Methods of traditional medicine
With pathologies of the cardiovascular system, alternative medicine is more of an auxiliary method and is aimed at consolidating the result obtained during the main treatment. Alternative therapies contribute to improving the overall condition of the body, are based on the use of various kinds of healing herbs and herbs. Their action, first of all, is aimed at relaxing muscle structures, bringing blood pressure to a stable state and vascular expansion.
In the process of recovery after suffering diseases of the cardiovascular system and their prevention, use:
- valerian;
- yarrow;
- ginseng;
- heather;
- peppermint;
- three-leaf licorice;
- motherwort;
- hawthorn;
- a camomile.
The funds listed above have a large number of positive characteristics, and their use in the treatment of pathologies of the circulatory system allows you to accelerate the recovery of the patient's body and increases the effectiveness of standard therapy. But before using them, specialist advice is required, since they all have their own specific characteristics, and if used improperly, they can harm the patient.
The prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system is also important.
Prevention
Prevention of vascular and heart diseases is carried out to consolidate the results already achieved in order to prevent the recurrence of the pathological process. To strengthen the circulatory system, a set of various measures is applied, with the support of which it is possible to achieve positive results and prevent similar problems in the future. Such reinforcing manipulations include:
- refusal of alcohol and smoking;
- proper nutrition;
- avoidance of stressful situations;
- weight control;
- sound healthy sleep;
- active lifestyle in general.
Prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system will help to live a long life.
Such uncomplicated measures will allow both to restore the activity of the cardiovascular system and make the body more durable and stronger, and this, in turn, will have a beneficial effect on the patient’s well-being and his attitude to his life.
We examined the main diseases of the cardiovascular system.