Cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic changes are present in childhood and progress over the years. This happens without any symptoms. Only after several dozen years, most often in the fifth decade of life in men, and after menopause in women, when these changes are already advanced, their first symptoms appear. How atherosclerosis can manifest itself depends on the location of the atherosclerotic lesions. The most serious consequences are associated with impaired blood flow in the coronary, cerebral and renal vessels, in the arteries supplying blood to the extremities and to the gastrointestinal tract. The atherosclerotic process is inflammatory and leads to the accumulation of lipids, collagen and calcium deposits in the inner membrane. The resulting atherosclerotic plaque can significantly reduce blood flow in the vessel, and its rupture – lead to complete closure of the artery and acute ischemia of the organ’s vascularization. Prevention of atherosclerotic processes is to control blood pressure and cholesterol, use

Normal heart rhythm is in the range of 60-100 beats per minute. The heart rhythm disorder is arrhythmia. Each cardiac arrhythmia, even if it occurs sporadically and is not bothersome, requires medical consultation. You should see your GP or cardiologist. This is best done during a rhythm disturbance. The basic tests are to auscultate the heart, measure the pulse and ECG. The most dangerous disturbance of the heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation. In the case of atrial fibrillation, as a result of impulse disturbance, up to 400-600 heart vibrations per minute can be achieved. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of a stroke and diminishes the chance of surviving it twice. Atrial fibrillation must be treated. This is done with drugs or electrical stimulation of the heart muscle. Photo Shutterstock

The optimal pressure level is assumed to be 120/80 mm Hg, and we speak of hypertension when the values ​​are higher than 140/90 mm Hg. In a healthy person, the measurement results vary, depending on the time of day, emotional state or physical exertion, and it is quite normal that at times the heart pushes the blood more forcefully, and therefore the pressure is higher. The problem begins when the heart does not pay attention to the rationale and is constantly running at top speed for no physiological reason. Blood pressure is the force with which blood acts against the walls that make up arteries. Hypertension develops essentially asymptomatically and we usually find out about it by accident, during routine pressure control in a doctor’s office. Hypertension is the leading cause of death among women and the second leading cause of death in men. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, kidney damage and failure, severe changes in the retina and atherosclerosis. In the treatment of hypertension, pharmacology, lifestyle changes, quitting smoking and a proper diet, especially salt restriction, are helpful. Photo Shutterstock

Myocardial infarction is the result of ischemic heart disease, the cause is atherosclerosis. The symptom of a heart attack is pain

The diseases that affect the functioning of the heart are mainly inflammatory diseases. Inflammation can affect the pericardium, the heart muscle itself, or even the endocardium, the thin layer that lines the cavity – the ventricle and atria – of the heart. In all three cases, its causes are similar – bacterial or viral infection, parasites, fungi, concomitant diseases. Inflammatory symptoms in the heart are manifested by chest pain, shortness of breath, faster fatigue and coughing. Inflammation is generally accompanied by high fever, chills, and general weakness. Such symptoms should be consulted with a doctor. Treatment in the initial period requires a hospital stay. Depending on the cause of inflammation, antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis and anti-fungal drugs are used. They are also administered anti-inflammatory drugs or in cases of severe inflammation – steroids. Photo Shutterstock

Aneurysms develop without any symptoms and can form in any segment of the aorta, its branches, or in other peripheral arteries and in the brain. They are always a serious threat to life. In most cases, an atherosclerosis leads to the formation of aneurysms. But they can also form after an injury or inflammation that damages the inner lining of the vessel. The causes of aneurysm formation are not known. There is also no particular risk group. Anyone can have an aneurysm. It is known, however, that its formation is promoted by: hypertension, connective tissue diseases that weaken the walls of arteries, and smoking. Rupture of the aneurysm causes hemorrhage, which is often fatal. The examination to identify aneurysms is an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. It allows not only to find out the very existence of aneurysms, but also to determine their size and location in relation to the renal arteries. When the ultrasound does not give a definite answer, computed tomography is performed. Photo

A stroke may take the form of a haemorrhage (haemorrhagic stroke) or ischemia or a heart attack (ischemic stroke). The mean age of onset is in the range of 65–70 years. It has been calculated that the risk of having a stroke doubles every 10 years. It is a disease that is often fatal. Symptoms are strictly dependent on the location and extent of the brain damage. Most often they occur in the form of paresis, loss of the ability to understand or express speech, blindness or hypoaesthesia. The main cause is a sudden disturbance in blood circulation in the brain. Age, smoking, heart disease, obesity and diabetes predispose to disease development. Photo Shutterstock

Pulmonary embolism is a consequence of blockage of the lumen of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches and a blood clot. It is a frequent complication of cardiovascular diseases, posing a direct threat to the patient’s life. The symptoms are mainly

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a disease in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises significantly above normal levels. The cause is the overgrowth of small pulmonary arterioles. Blood cannot flow freely through the pulmonary vessels, which causes the pressure to build up. The blood cannot take up as much oxygen in the lungs as the whole body needs. The first and main symptom is shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath especially when exercising. The heart starts to work faster to pump more and more blood to the organs demanding oxygen. As a consequence, its failure occurs. Other symptoms that develop with the development of the disease are fatigue and general exhaustion, dizziness, fainting, tightness or pain in the chest, especially when exerted, swelling of the ankles or legs – swelling, and a rapid or irregular pulse. Pulmonary hypertension is still an incurable disease, but drugs inhibit the progression of the disease. They reduce mortality by more than 40% within 3-4 months of their use. If drug therapy is unsuccessful, in some cases it may be necessary to undergo a single or both lung transplant, and sometimes a combined heart and lung transplant. Photo Shutterstock

Deep vein thrombosis is usually asymptomatic. The disease can be fatal when a clogging of the vein breaks off and moves the veins downstream towards the heart and lungs, obstructing the artery in the lungs. Factors that contribute to complications in thrombosis are genetics, dehydration, blood thickening, taking contraceptives, and intense exercise. Treatment is pharmacological or surgical. In the prevention of thrombosis, practicing appropriate sports: swimming, walking, dancing, cycling. It is important to have a proper diet and to take the pressure off the feet, for example by placing them higher than the heart. Photo Shutterstock