The United States is not the only place heart disease has become the number one killer of men and women. This silent killer is also prominent in England and Canada. A generalized term, heart disease is most often used to describe a blockage in the arteries which then cuts off blood flow to the body. This generic terminology is also used to describe other ailments of the heart such as:
In order to fully understand the affects heart disease has on the body, it is important to understand the hearts role in the circulatory system. The job of the circulatory system is to supply the body with blood, oxygen and nutrients by circulating the blood flow through the heart.
A normal functioning body is supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissue. If there is a malfunction in the circulatory process, heart disease will occur, thus affecting the bodys 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.
These examples are just a few of the ways heart disease affects the body. For many patients, a diagnosis of heart disease can lead to stress and depression. Although stress has been linked with heart disease for years, there isn't any scientific data binding the two together. Leading a healthy lifestyle is a great way to prevent or manage this disease. Things such as daily exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol are simple tricks that can lead to a longer, happier life.
In order to fully understand the affects heart disease has on the body, it is important to understand the hearts role in the circulatory system. The job of the circulatory system is to supply the body with blood, oxygen and nutrients by circulating the blood flow through the heart.
A normal functioning body is supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissue. If there is a malfunction in the circulatory process, heart disease will occur, thus affecting the bodys 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.
These examples are just a few of the ways heart disease affects the body. For many patients, a diagnosis of heart disease can lead to stress and depression. Although stress has been linked with heart disease for years, there isn't any scientific data binding the two together. Leading a healthy lifestyle is a great way to prevent or manage this disease. Things such as daily exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol are simple tricks that can lead to a longer, happier life.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to share knowledge with others. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provides more lessons on Women Heart Attack and Statistics on Heart Disease.
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