Circulatory System Diseases and Disorders

The circulatory system is, no doubt, one of the most crucial organ systems, which is responsible for carrying out certain vital activities. It comprises the blood, blood vessels and heart. All these components play a major role in the normal functioning of the circulatory system of the human heart. The heart pumps blood to the various organs via the blood vessels, during which oxygen and nutrients are distributed to these body parts. Read more on how does the circulatory system work and heart health.

As per medical researches, the highest mortality rate is caused due to diseases and disorders of the circulatory system. Both hereditary and genetic factors are responsible for causing human circulatory system diseases. Nevertheless, with the current statistics claiming increased figures of heart and circulation problems, it is very important for us to learn about the circulatory system diseases and disorders. Let's take a brief look on what are the different disorders of the circulatory system.

Common Circulatory System Diseases and Disorders

The primary function of the circulatory system is to supply oxygen, hormones and other essential nutrients to the body cells and tissues. In this cycle, it also does the work of replacing carbon dioxide with oxygen. Any disturbance or irregularity in this circulatory cycle leads to certain health conditions, which may be mild to severe. The following is a list of circulatory system disorders:

Angina
Angina, characterized by severe and recurrent chest discomfort and pain, is caused due to lack of blood supply and/or oxygen supply in the muscles of the heart. Basically, it is manifested as a complication by the constriction of the blood vessels. Angina is often considered as a warning sign of an impending heart attack.

Arrhythmia
The major symptom of arrhythmia is irregular heart rhythm, in which the heart beats abnormally at a slower or faster rate. In most cases, arrhythmia is congenital and results from a heart defect. Based on the severity of arrhythmia, medication, surgical procedure and implanting pacemakers are followed in order to regulate heart rhythm.

Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a blood circulation problem, resulting from accumulation of fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels, especially arteries. Over a period of time, the arterial walls harden and lose their elasticity. Arteries are primarily affected by atherosclerosis. Complication of atherosclerosis include cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Cardiomyopathy
Common circulatory system diseases and disorders include cardiomyopathy, which is is caused due to weakening of the heart muscles or myocardium. In the early stages, the ventricular muscles or muscles of the lower heart chamber are affected. If left untreated, it spreads to the upper heart muscles. In severe cases, cardiomyopathy can result in congestive heart failure and at times, death.

Congenital Heart Defect
Congenital heart defect is present at birth and may be mild or severe. The fetus may show incomplete and/or abnormal development of the heart organ, causing symptoms like heart murmur in infants. The exact cause of congenital heart disease is not known. In some cases,genetic problems cause this defect, while others develop without any reason. Read more on what is heart murmur.

Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is by far the most common disease of the circulatory system. It is caused due to accumulation of plaque in the coronary arterial walls, which indirectly impairs the blood supply to the heart. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death all over the world. Read more on poor circulation symptoms.

Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the common disorders of the circulatory system. Over here, the blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) reading remains higher than the recommended level. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases. Read more on hypertension medications.

Hypercholesterolemia
As the name signifies, hypercholesterolmia pr high cholesterol is characterized by an elevated cholesterol level. There are two primary types of cholesterol, namely, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol. Presence of high amounts of bad cholesterol (LDL) increases the risk for heart diseases and stroke.

Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease affects the blood circulation to the extreme portions of the body, including the arms and legs. Peripheral artery disease is the most common type of peripheral vascular disease, which is the deposition of fatty acids in the arterial walls. Symptoms pf peripheral vascular disease are tingling, numbness and other complications. Read more on

• Poor Circulation in Hands and Feet
• Poor Circulation in Legs
• Circulatory System Problems and Diseases

This was in brief in regards to what are disorders of the circulatory system. The increased statistics regarding circulatory system diseases and disorders is mainly contributed by today's hectic lifestyle, less physical activity and bad food habits. Obesity, stress, smoking and other unhealthy habits are also risk factors for circulatory system disorders. Early diagnosis, correct therapeutic treatments and following a healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for combating these circulatory system diseases and disorders.