How Your Body is Affected by Heart Disease
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The leading cause of death among men and women of the United States, England and Canada is heart disease. The general term heart disease is used to describe a narrowing of the arteries which therefore blocks the blood flow to the body. This widely used terminology is used to indicate other heart problems such as: To better understand the affects of disease on the body, it is important to evaluate the circulatory system and the roll of the heart in it. The circulatory system, is comprised of blood, the heart, and the blood vessels that supply oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the body. In order for normal body function to occur, oxygen and nutrients must be delivered to the body’s cells and tissues. Any malfunction of the circulatory system results in heart disease and affects the body’s metabolism. Plaque on the arterial walls or Coronary Artery Disease is caused by blockage of the blood vessels. The plaque allows for blood clots to form in the cracks which will eventually close off the normal flow of blood to the body. If this blockage occurs, it will result in damage being done to major organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. Peripheral vascular disease is a result of blocked arteries in the arms or legs. It may disturb the ability to move the extremities, which can lead to disability. At times, these plaques can rupture, leading to the closure of the artery. It can also cause the skin to break down causing skin ulcers of the lower extremities. Additionally, plaque can break off and travel through the blood stream to the heart or lungs causing cardiac or respiratory arrest. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention or it can lead to the death of the patient. Any woman born with a congenital heart disease must consult with a trained medical professional before considering becoming pregnant. The risks for both mother and child are extremely high, and without medical intervention, can result in death for both mother and baby. This is how heart disease affects the overall functioning of the body. A diagnosis of heart disease may cause stress and/or depression of the patient. Though stress and heart disease are claimed to be interrelated, clinically, no proof exists to explain how stress causes heart disease. Risk factors can be controlled for heart disease such as quitting smoking, avoid alcohol, control of hypertension, reducing high cholesterol levels, losing weight, and getting regular exercise. July 29 2009 08:19 am | Heart Disease 
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