Circulatory Disorders

Circulatory disorders can include conditions like heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases. These conditions cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening, and can be caused by many different factors including lifestyle, diet, and genetics.

The symptoms of circulatory disorders may include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. Some may also experience a rapid or irregular heart beat, numbness or tingling in the limbs, or pain in the arms, legs, or jaw.

Circulatory disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, diet, genetics, and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors may include smoking, lack of exercise, stress, and high blood pressure. Diet can also affect the risk of circulatory disorders, as eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.

Genetic factors can also increase the risk of circulatory disorders, including certain inherited conditions like familial high cholesterol and long QT syndrome. Environmental factors, including exposure to air pollution, ionizing radiation, and certain chemicals can also increase the risk.

Treatment options for circulatory disorders depend on the underlying cause, but may involve lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising more, and eating a healthy diet, are important for preventing and managing circulatory disorders. Medication can also help reduce the risk and manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged vessels or valves.

Common Types of Circulatory Disorders

Atherosclerosis - fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Hypertension - high blood pressure puts strain on the walls of the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Valvular heart disease - damage or deformity to one or more of the heart valves can cause heart failure or an irregular heartbeat.
Deep Vein Thrombosis - blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, which can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Congestive Heart Failure - when the heart is overworked, it can become weak and inefficient, leading to fluid accumulation and breathing difficulties.