How Does Heart Disease Affect The Body?
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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.
The heart is not the only part of the body that can experience blocked arteries. Peripheral Vascular Disease is the result of blocked arteries in the arms and legs. This condition is very serious as it can cause loss of function and disability in these lower extremities. A rupturing of these plaques causes the artery to be blocked which then can cause the skin to break down, eventually creating skin ulcers on the arms and legs. If undetected, the plaque can also break apart, allowing it to travel through the blood stream to other important areas of the body such as the heart and lungs. This breakage can bring about cardiac arrest or respiratory failure which requires immediate medical attention.
If a woman born with a congenital heart disease wishes to become pregnant, she must first consult a medical professional regarding the risk factors to both her and a fetus. If pregnancy occurs without this consultation, the risk to both mother and baby become higher including death.
These are ways heart disease affects the body as a whole. Often times, a diagnosis of heart disease can lead a patient into depression or extreme stress. While there is the belief that stress and heart disease are related, there has not yet been any scientific evidence to back it up. Prevention is the key. Making healthy choices regarding, weight, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and getting daily exercise are all great ways to living a healthier, longer life.
July 27 2009 | Heart Disease | No Comments »