CCC disease: types and their features. Heart disease: symptoms, treatment, list of major ailments

In life modern man lots of various problems and petty fuss. And sometimes we don’t even notice how our cardiovascular system suffers from them. Not surprisingly, regular stress leads to the development of the most various diseases. The World Health Organization claims that it is diseases of the heart and blood vessels that are in the first place among the causes of death for most people around the world.

According to statistics, such ailments take about seven million lives every year, which is approximately 30% of total deaths. This means that this problem should be considered with all seriousness and that diseases should not be left unattended to the most early stages. If you notice that you have any alarming symptoms, be sure to contact a specialist. So you will not miss anything important and possibly save your health and even life.

First, let's look at what the cardiovascular system is. It includes all blood vessels and the heart, and plays a vital role in human body. It is this system that moves blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to all cells. Next, let's look at what kind of heart diseases exist. vascular system in adults.

Arrhythmia is a failure in the rhythm of the heartbeat. In order to determine this disease, you just need to measure the pulse of a person at rest, normal performance range from sixty to ninety beats per minute. Accurate diagnosis It is possible only under the condition of examination by a doctor and an electrocardiogram. Arrhythmia is most often associated with ailments of the central and autonomic nervous system, in some cases it occurs in myocardial lesions and various endocrine diseases. Treatment is with diuretics, antiarrhythmic drugs, cardiac glycosides. In some cases, arrhythmia occurs as a result of alcoholism, smoking and thyrotoxicosis.

Atherosclerosis- a chronic disease that affects the arteries of large and medium diameter. Its essence lies in the deposition of lipoproteins on the membranes of these vessels. Prevention consists in a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and reducing body weight. Medical treatment using a whole class of different medicines, which are divided into groups.

Varicose veins- a pathological process that is manifested by the defeat of those vessels or veins that carry blood. In them, the diameter of the lumen noticeably increases, which causes the formation of nodes, which are the very extensions that prevent normal blood flow. Complications - thrombophlebitis, skin ulcers and severe bleeding. The first symptom is pain and fatigue in the legs. It is treated with medication, and in advanced cases with the help of surgery.

Hypertension is a state high blood pressure. Manifested by tinnitus and headache. It bears the well-deserved name of the "silent killer", is one of the most common ailments of the cardiovascular system. It is treated with medication, as well as with the help of lifestyle optimization, diet adjustments and the rejection of bad habits.

myocardial infarction- This is a condition of damage to the heart muscle, which is caused by blockage of the artery or its branches. May occur due to atherosclerosis or obesity, sometimes ends in death. Requires hospitalization and long-term recovery period.

Cardiac ischemia- This is a pathology that occurs due to impaired blood-filling function. Quite often it is accompanied by other serious diseases, such as cardiosclerosis, angina pectoris. May lead to myocardial infarction. It is treated with medication, it is important to limit physical activity, adjust the diet.

Cardiosclerosis- heart disease, manifested by scarring of tissues in the heart muscle against the background of a heart attack or some kind of inflammatory lesion. Usually physiotherapy and Spa treatment. It is important to limit physical activity and optimize lifestyle.

Heart defects- can be either congenital or acquired. They are operable and inoperable. In some cases they cause fatal outcome.

Heart failure- this is a pathology, which is expressed in the impossibility of the heart to perform its function as a pump that provides blood circulation. It can develop as a result of many diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as arterial hypertension, ischemia, heart defects.

angina pectoris- This is one of the forms of coronary disease, which manifests itself in sharp pains in the region of the heart. Medical treatment. Preparations are selected purely individually by the attending physician.

Thromboembolism- the process of blockage of blood vessels by detached blood clots. It is especially dangerous if it occurs in pulmonary artery and its branches. This process is a consequence of thrombosis, which in turn is caused by atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, etc.

Almost all of the above diseases are susceptible to successful treatment with the help of medicines. In some cases, you have to resort to surgical intervention.

Remember that most cardiovascular diseases are preventable. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and protect yourself from stress.

The human cardiovascular system is a system of organs that circulate blood. Due to the continuous blood flow, nutrients and oxygen enter all organs and tissues of the body, and waste products and carbon dioxide output.

The cardiovascular system includes the heart (an organ that starts the movement of blood) and blood vessels (cavities of various thicknesses through which blood circulates). Activity regulation of cardio-vascular system It is carried out in two ways: nervous regulation and humoral effects on the heart.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

    1.Ischemic heart disease (CHD). A group of heart diseases with different clinical forms. As a rule, the following pathologies are attributed to IHD:
  • sudden cardiac death;
  • angina;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • postinfarction cardiosclerosis.

These diseases are characterized by the formation of an ischemic focus in the heart muscle - an area that is poorly supplied with blood. Most often, such a violation is associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the vessels.

    2. Arrhythmias. Functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, which are accompanied by a violation of the heart rhythm or heart rate. The disease occurs due to functional or organic damage to the heart muscle and conduction system.

Types of arrhythmia:

  • violation of the rhythm of cardiac activity - complete or partial blockade of the heart due to disturbances in the patency of the impulse;
  • respiratory, or sinus arrhythmia- pathology, manifested in the increase in heart rate on inspiration and slowing down - on exhalation; is regarded as a physiological phenomenon of childhood and adolescence;
  • atrial fibrillation - an erratic rhythm, which is based on atrial flutter (increased number of contractions per minute);
  • extrasystolic arrhythmia manifests itself in the form of an alternation of rapid heartbeat with a sinking heart.
    3. Atherosclerosis. Chronic disease of the arteries, manifested in the gradual narrowing of their lumens. As a result, the blood flow is disturbed, and the brain receives less nutrients and oxygen.
    4. Insufficiency of blood circulation. The contractile force of the myocardium and the muscular membrane of the vessels decreases. Accordingly, there are cardiac and vascular forms of insufficiency.
    5. Heart defects. Pathologies in the structure of the heart and blood vessels that disrupt the functioning of the cardiovascular system. There are congenital and acquired (as a result of various diseases the valves or septa of the chambers of the heart are affected).
    6. Stroke. Acute exacerbation, accompanied by a violation cerebral circulation damage to brain tissue. Is a consequence hypertension or cerebral atherosclerosis.
    7. Neuroses of the heart. Violation nervous regulation functions of the cardiovascular system. Usually arise due to mental trauma, intoxications, infections, overwork.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system associated with heart damage:

  • focal or diffuse myocarditis;
  • pericarditis;
  • endocarditis;
  • pancarditis.

To put accurate diagnosis and start proper treatment, a complete examination of the cardiovascular system is necessary.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases

Many diseases are based on a complex of various factors. In particular, this applies to coronary artery disease, for the appearance of which there are many reasons. Moreover, various people different combinations of factors. However, all the causes of cardiovascular diseases can be combined into two groups:

    1 - factors that cannot be changed (heredity, age, gender)
    2 - factors that can be influenced.

Thus, the risk of cardiovascular complications increases with age. Men are more likely to develop coronary artery disease than women. If the next of kin has a "heartache", then the risk of cardiovascular disease increases.

The second group includes smoking and overuse alcohol, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle.

Strengthening the cardiovascular system

For comfortable and easy work the heart must follow a few rules:

  • eat properly;
  • strengthen the spine (the work of the organs is regulated by the central nervous system);
  • play sports or exercise for the cardiovascular system (any moderate physical activity strengthens and trains the heart);
  • get rid of bad habits (excessive coffee consumption leads to arrhythmias, smoking is one of the causes of coronary heart disease);
  • do not get carried away with salt, strong tea, hot spices, etc.;
  • Limit your intake of animal fats.

Prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system

Taking care of the heart should start from childhood. During this period, the foundations of a lifestyle begin to be laid. Children need to be vaccinated healthy habits, which will save them not only from cardiovascular diseases, but also from a number of other diseases.

The basis of the fundamentals is the regime of work and rest, proper nutrition, physical activity.

Cardiovascular disease is common name a whole group of diseases of the heart and circulatory system. Worldwide, about 17.5 million people die each year from heart disease. At risk are older people with bad habits, diabetes, high blood pressure and overweight.

    Show all

    Common symptoms of heart disease

    The first symptoms of the disease appear unpleasant feeling in chest and diaphragm. A person develops high sweating, cough, fatigue, limbs swell. Signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) differ depending on the type of disease and individual characteristics person. All this complicates the timely diagnosis of such diseases and the initiation of treatment. Appearance severe cough could be a sign of a cold or viral infections, but in the case of CVD, the use of expectorant drugs does not give any effect. An important signal is sudden appearance cough when horizontal position body, frequent attacks at night. Appearing weakness is a sign of a functional failure in the nervous system. The patient has high fatigue, sleep disturbances, absent-mindedness, memory problems, unreasonable anxiety and trembling of the limbs. All these problems are caused by impaired blood circulation and manifest themselves in the early stages of the disease.

    Increased body temperature, spasms, pallor appear with severe forms CVD and the presence in the body of concomitant inflammatory processes (myo-, peri-, endocarditis). Such violations cause sharp rise temperatures up to forty degrees and above. With this development of the disease, there is a threat of hemorrhage in the brain. Increasing pressure at 140/90 - good reason for the immediate taking of drugs that lower blood pressure, and further maintenance of normal levels blood pressure. If the reverse situation is observed, a pulse of less than 50 beats per minute is a sure sign of coronary heart disease and a violation of cardiac activity.

    The appearance of swelling of the extremities at the end of the day can occur due to both kidney problems, a large number salt in the body, and heart problems. This is because the violation of the work of the heart does not allow him to in full pump blood fluid, as a result, it accumulates in the limbs, which causes their swelling. Frequent and sudden dizziness may be signs of an impending stroke. The person feels pulsating headache, weakness and nausea. There is shortness of breath acute shortage air, which occurs in some types of myocardial infarction. Similar symptoms can also appear in diseases of the lungs and kidneys, which makes it difficult to determine the true cause.

    During physical exertion, a person may feel pain in the back, between the shoulder blades and lumbar. Such symptoms often occur during strong emotional upheavals and even during rest. The use of cardiac drugs does not desired result which indicates an impending heart attack. Symptoms may include chest pain, a feeling of pressure and burning. There is a strong Blunt pain which becomes either stronger or weaker. Also, similar signs are observed with the appearance of vasospasm and angina pectoris.

    Acute, prolonged chest pain that radiates to left hand, a clear symptom of myocardial infarction. At rapid development the patient may lose consciousness. With all this sharp pain in the chest can be a sign of other diseases, such as sciatica, neuralgia, shingles, and so on. All this makes it difficult to take the right measures to provide first aid to the patient. The main symptom of all disorders of cardiac activity is a rapid heartbeat, not caused by physical exertion or emotional upheaval. Such an attack is accompanied by weakness, nausea, loss of consciousness. These are symptoms of developing steno- and tachycardia, heart failure.

    Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

    Distinguish the following diseases of the heart and blood vessels:

    • Cardiac ischemia.
    • vascular atherosclerosis.
    • Violation of the peripheral circulation.
    • Rheumocarditis.
    • Heart disease.
    • Thromboembolism.

    Cardiac ischemia

    The essence of the disease is myocardial damage, which causes a decrease or complete cessation of the blood supply to the heart muscle. The main cause of the disorder is the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Symptoms of the disease are manifested by pain in the chest, radiating into left side body that occurs during physical activity, rest, eating. The pain intensifies over several months, manifesting itself more and more often. This is due to an increase in the atherosclerotic spot, which gradually closes the lumen of the artery. The narrowing of the lumen by 90% causes an exacerbation of the disease and is critical.

    The disease has mental manifestations, expressed in causeless anxiety, fear of death, apathy, a feeling of lack of air. With the progression of the disease, the appearance similar states increases, which only exacerbates the disease. Feelings of anxiety and fear provoke a load on the heart, an increase in pressure and temperature, which is already a dangerous condition in the presence of CVD.

    Conservative treatment of the disease is aimed at improving the blood supply to the myocardium, maintaining acceptable level blood pressure and improvement general condition sick. However, these methods do not always give the desired result. In this case, apply surgical intervention such as coronary artery bypass grafting, deep artery stenting, and myocardial revascularization.

    The method of coronary bypass grafting consists in connecting the damaged vessel to the coronary artery, thereby creating a bypass path to the affected area. After that, the blood begins to flow into the myocardium in full, which eliminates ischemia and angina pectoris. This method recommended subject to availability concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, congenital heart disease, damage to a large number of blood vessels and so on.

    Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels

    The disease affects the walls of blood vessels with focal inflammation, there is an increasing thickening of the walls of the arteries with cholesterol spots, which leads to a narrowing of the lumen and oxygen starvation of the brain. Symptoms of the disease are expressed in a change in gait, tinnitus, flashing points before the eyes. Perceptual and memory disorders are the most characteristic symptoms diseases, and memory problems extend only to recent events, without affecting deeper memory. With a severe degree of impairment, the patient may experience decreased vision and hearing, severe migraines and redness of the face.

    Treatment in most cases is prescribed medication, in compliance with strict diet. A number of drugs are prescribed for vasodilation, a complex of vitamins and antioxidants. It is necessary to limit the consumption of fatty, fried, salty foods, chocolate, cocoa, fatty dairy products.

    Peripheral circulatory disorders

    AT normal condition the peripheral circulatory system provides the organs with sufficient blood flow for full-fledged work. Functional changes circulation occurs as a result of changes in heart rate. In the case when the resistance to blood flow by the vessels begins to weaken, the walls of the vessels expand, which leads to arterial hyperemia. In another case, with an increase in the resistance of the circulatory system, there is a difficulty in the flow of blood to the organs and thrombosis, which threatens the development of ischemia. Such disorders occur with a decrease in the volume of blood passing from the heart to the veins and vice versa, with heart defects, dysfunction of the heart valves, and an increase in the heart muscle. All this leads to difficulty in blood flow and stagnation of blood.

    Symptoms of the disorder are manifested in more than 80% of patients, in other cases, an atypical course of the disease can be observed without severe symptoms. Typical symptoms are lameness, pain in the calf muscles, which manifests itself when walking, weakened sensitivity of the limbs. In more severe stages, pain in the buttocks and thighs is manifested, development is possible trophic ulcer and, consequently, gangrene.

    Drug treatment involves the use of a whole range of drugs aimed at lowering blood pressure, dilating blood vessels and strengthening their walls. Antiplatelet agents, drugs that reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, eliminate muscle pain and preventing thrombosis.

    Surgical intervention is permissible in the case of:

    • severe intermittent claudication, the elimination of which is impossible with medication;
    • critical damage to arteries and blood vessels lower extremities as a result of ischemia and development of trophic ulcers;
    • acute ischemia, threatening the formation of blood clots and the development of gangrene;
    • the development of gangrene (the focal nature of the disorder involves the removal of the affected areas of the vessels and their subsequent replacement with borrowed or artificial arteries (shunts), with extensive development inflammation, amputation of the limb).

    In the first three cases, surgical revascularization is used to allow blood flow to bypass the affected areas by placing a vascular bypass graft. In the case of gangrene, general surgical methods are used to remove the limbs.

    A highly effective way to prevent blood circulation disorders is exercise therapy, which increases blood pressure, improves heart function and relieves symptoms of intermittent claudication in 70% of cases.

    rheumatic heart disease

    The disease affects the walls of the heart, as a result of which an inflammatory process develops inside the organ. Pathological changes begin with the myocardium and end with the outer shell of the heart - the pericardium. The disorder is not an independent disease, it develops as one of the complications of rheumatism in the form of allergic and inflammatory reactions for the presence of streptococcus in the blood. Most often, the primary source of the disease is located in the upper respiratory tract.

    Mild forms of the disease do not have pronounced symptoms and can occur without any noticeable manifestations. In the acute nature of the disease in humans, it is noted heat up to 40 degrees, there are pains in the joints, especially the knees. This condition lasts up to two months, in the absence of timely relief, the disease develops more severe symptoms: fever, hemoptysis, pressing pains in the chest, fainting, the face becomes pale with a blue tinge.

    Methods of treatment are determined by the degree, form and severity of the disease. Pharmacological treatment is carried out at any stage of the disease and consists of three components:

    1. 1. Antimicrobial treatment. Antibiotics are used penicillin group and drugs combined with them to suppress streptococcal infections.
    2. 2. Anti-inflammatory therapy. In the acute course of the disease, glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone) are prescribed, if the disease is mild, anti-inflammatory drugs based on salicylic acid are used.
    3. 3. Maintenance therapy. These are diuretics sedatives and a course of vitamins.

    Diet food is prescribed, which will provide required amount useful elements for the patient, harmful food is excluded from the diet. The menu should contain products with a high content of animals and vegetable proteins. Boiled meat and fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. Side dishes should consist of buckwheat, oatmeal and rice porridge. It is undesirable to use sweet, starchy, spicy. Categorically no coffee, alcohol and tobacco. The use of products containing soy, food coloring, cholesterol is not recommended.

    Heart disease

    Heart disease is a pathology of the heart valves, in which the heart stops functioning properly. The disease can be congenital or acquired. Congenital heart disease occurs in only 1-2% of newborns. In this case, anomalies in the development of the organ are observed, which lead to its wrong work. In adulthood, the disorder can develop under the influence of other diseases, such as rheumatism, ischemia, and stroke.

    For the treatment of heart disease, both congenital and acquired, a set of measures is needed, including surgery and drug treatment. During surgical intervention to restore the working capacity of the heart valves, a valvuloplasty procedure is performed, using animal heart valves, mechanical or biological prostheses to replace them. The operation is performed with artificial circulation and lasts from 4 to 8 hours. The rehabilitation period takes from 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the disease and the complexity of the recovery period. Further treatment carried out conservatively. A daily regimen, a course of physiotherapy exercises, and diet are established.

    Thromboembolism

    The disease is a blockage of a blood vessel by a formed thrombus, which has come off the walls of the vessel or heart. As a result of this, blood stops flowing to the heart, a rupture of blood vessels occurs, leading to an ischemic infarction. Most often, thromboembolism occurs during surgical operations, especially if the patient has malignant neoplasms. A thrombus forms in the veins of the systemic circulation, causing blockage in the left heart chamber and adjacent arteries.

    Symptoms of the disease are manifested in palpitations, blue facial skin, chest pain, hypertension, abnormal pulsation of the veins. The severity of these symptoms depends on the degree and form of the disease. acute form may be accompanied sharp pains, muscle spasms, respiratory failure, which most often leads to death. Milder forms are characterized by an increase in the above symptoms.

    Thromboembolism - dangerous state, threatening death in the absence immediate help. In a critically acute attack, the patient loses consciousness and can only be saved by applying indoor massage heart, defibrillation, artificial ventilation lungs. After the relief of an acute attack, an embolectomy procedure is performed, which consists in the manual removal of a blood clot. The operation is associated with high risk and is carried out only in an emergency. Next, a complex of drugs is prescribed to relieve pain, normalize blood pressure, and prevent re-thrombosis of veins or arteries. For each stage of the disease, individual treatment is applied.

    In 85% of cases with acute thromboembolism, the patient dies before he has time to provide first aid.

    Conclusion

    Cardiovascular diseases are a broad group of diseases that can have general symptoms, but different reasons. Most CVD can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as malnutrition, bad habits, lack of physical activity. According to the Ministry of Health, overweight people account for 76% of cases of serious heart disease being diagnosed. Of these, 20% are acute and in the vast majority of cases end in death. Disorders in the work of the heart, provoked by bad habits, account for about 40%. Such cases have a severe clinical picture, although low mortality. Other cases acute manifestations diseases occur in the elderly and patients with congenital pathologies heart and circulatory system.

Cardiovascular diseases rank first in terms of morbidity and mortality in almost all countries of the world. This sad leadership is due to many factors, including poor nutrition, poor ecology, wrong image life. No wonder many cardiovascular disorders are called diseases of civilization.

Our cardiovascular system is represented by the heart and blood vessels. Sounds like a primitive tautology, but it's true.

The human heart includes

  • Four chambers or cavities - right and left atria, ventricles
  • The conduction system that ensures the normal rhythm and sequence of heartbeats
  • The inner membrane that lines the interior of the heart cavity is the endocardium.
  • Heart valves that separate the chambers of the heart and prevent backflow of blood
  • Middle, muscular layer - myocardium
  • Outer membrane, heart sac - pericardium
  • Cardiac (coronary) arteries that supply the tissues of the heart.

The vascular system is represented by two circles of blood circulation - large and small. big circle provides organs and tissues with arterial blood with oxygen, and takes away carbon dioxide.

The vascular system includes arteries and veins of large or medium caliber, small arteries and veins (arterioles and venules), as well as the smallest vessels - capillaries.

It is in the capillaries that gas exchange takes place between blood and tissues, and arterial blood turns into a vein.

Any of the above links of the cardiovascular system can be affected. Most often, the following pathological mechanisms underlie heart and vascular diseases:

  • Congenital malformations
  • Inflammatory processes
  • Infections - bacterial, viral, fungal
  • Changes vascular tone
  • General metabolic disorders leading to a change in the balance of acids, alkalis, electrolytes
  • Changes in blood clotting
  • Blockage of the vascular lumen.

In most clinical situations, there is a combination of one or more pathological mechanisms.

Diseases

A convenient, acceptable classification of cardiovascular diseases has not yet been adopted. Apparently, this is due to the variety of causes and manifestations of these diseases.

The ICD (International Classification of Diseases) is cumbersome and designed more for statistics than for solving practical problems.

It hardly makes sense to list all diseases completely - there are too many of them, and most of them are rare. But some violations are worth mentioning:

Ischemia is a violation of the blood supply to a certain organ, and developed for this reason pathological changes in him. At the heart of IHD is the difficulty in blood circulation through the coronary arteries due to their blockage by atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots. IHD is manifested by angina pectoris. With prolonged ischemia, the heart muscle dies - myocardial infarction develops.

The leading sign is an increase blood pressure over 140/90 mm. rt. Art. The value of arterial pressure largely depends on the state of arterial vascular tone, the volume of circulating blood and the work of the heart. These functions are regulated by certain brain structures, organs endocrine system. Hypertension develops when this regulation is disturbed, and, in turn, leads to irreversible changes in various organs.

.

This condition can be fully attributed to both neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The brain is affected, but the cause is a violation of blood circulation through the cerebral (brain) vessels. This violation can manifest itself in two ways, in connection with which they distinguish hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

In ischemic stroke, the vessel is clogged with an atherosclerotic plaque, after which ischemia develops in the corresponding part of the brain. In a hemorrhagic stroke, due to a violation of the integrity of the blood vessel, blood is poured into the brain.

Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).

In order for hemodynamics to be provided at the proper level, the heart must contract with a certain sequence and frequency - first, the atria expel blood into the ventricles, and from the ventricles it enters large vessels - the aorta and pulmonary artery. This is achieved by the normal passage of a nerve impulse through the conduction system of the heart.

A number of pathological factors lead to impulse blockade or to the formation of abnormal extraordinary impulses that impede normal myocardial contractility. This is the essence of arrhythmias, and some of them are dangerous not only for health, but also for life.

They can be congenital and acquired. In these conditions, predominantly the valvular apparatus suffers. Although some birth defects in addition to damage to the valves, they are manifested by non-closure of the septa between the atria, ventricles, as well as abnormal messages between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Valve damage can take the form of insufficiency, when the valve leaflets do not fully close together and stenosis - narrowing of the valve opening. In all these cases, blood circulation in all body systems is disturbed.

This term refers to a complex of negative changes in the heart with rheumatism. This disease occurs with damage to most organs and anatomical structures. But the joints and the heart suffer the most. With rheumatic heart disease, along with valvular defects inflammation of the myocardium develops - myocarditis.

In myocarditis, inflammatory changes in the heart muscle lead to inhibition of its contractility. This is manifested by a decrease in the pumping function of the heart and the development of heart failure. In some cases, the situation is aggravated by the addition of pericarditis - inflammation of the pericardium.

The pericardium is represented by two membranes, between which there is a slit-like space. With pericarditis, fluid accumulates in this space, which further aggravates the existing circulatory disorders.

Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery (TELA).

In the veins of the lower extremities, some inflammatory processes and blood stasis leads to thrombosis. Over time, the resulting blood clots can come off. In this case, the thrombus acts as an embolus - a pathological formation that clogs the vascular lumen.

Through the inferior vena cava, the thrombus-embolism is directed to right atrium, into the right ventricle, and from there - into the pulmonary artery, the branches of which branch into lung tissue.

It should be noted that the pulmonary artery is an incorrect name, a tribute to the tradition when all the vessels leaving the heart were called arteries. In fact, it is a vein, because venous blood flows through it.

Complete blockage of the main trunk of the pulmonary artery by an embolus - 100% instant death. Blockage of its branches is extremely difficult, and is also accompanied by serious circulatory and respiratory disorders.

This is a cardiac pathology, but with the involvement of the lung tissue. Pulmonary edema develops due to heart failure, more precisely, a drop in the contractility of the left ventricle.

Left ventricular heart failure leads to stagnation of blood in the small, pulmonary circulation. At the same time, the pressure in the vessels of the small circle increases so much that the blood plasma sweats into the lumen of the pulmonary alveoli.

This liquid effusion foams when you breathe in - sometimes foam comes out of the mouth. Like PE, pulmonary edema is an extremely dangerous condition that requires emergency measures for its elimination.

.

Increased content cholesterol of low and very low density, leads to its deposition on the walls of arteries in the form of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques clog the vascular lumen. In this case, the blood flow is disturbed and ischemia develops in the corresponding anatomical zones.

Some pathological processes, including ischemia and inflammation, are complicated by the death of individual myocardial fibers. The dead areas of the myocardium are replaced connective tissue- sclerosed. This leads to a decrease in myocardial contractility.

The last two conditions, atherosclerosis and cardiosclerosis, are not independent diseases. These are syndromes (complexes of negative changes, symptoms) that accompany other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. These diseases can also be combined and mutually aggravate each other.

For example, atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is the main cause of coronary artery disease. Myocardial ischemia can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack is often complicated by arrhythmias and pulmonary edema. The combination of various cardiovascular disorders often forms a closed vicious circle. Breaking this circle, getting out of the impasse is possible only with the help of complex timely treatment.

We try to provide the most up-to-date and useful information for you and your health.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are widespread among the adult population of many countries of the world and occupy a leading place in the overall mortality statistics. Mostly this problem affects countries with medium and low level income - 4 out of 5 deaths from cardiovascular pathology were residents of these regions. A reader who does not have a medical education should at least in general terms understand what this or that disease of the heart or blood vessels is, so that if you suspect its development, do not waste precious time, but immediately seek medical help. In order to find out the signs of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system, read this article.

Atherosclerosis

According to the definition of WHO (World Health Organization), it is constantly elevated blood pressure: systolic - above 140 mm Hg. Art, diastolic - above 90 mm Hg. Art. The level of blood pressure at diagnosis should be determined as the average of two or more measurements from at least two examinations by a specialist on different days.

Essential hypertension, or hypertension, is high blood pressure in the absence of obvious reason raising it. It accounts for about 95% of all cases of arterial hypertension.

The main risk factors for this disease are the same factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery disease and aggravate the course of hypertension, the following concomitant pathology:

  • diabetes;
  • cerebrovascular disease - ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, (TIA);
  • heart disease - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure;
  • kidney disease - diabetic nephropathy, ;
  • peripheral arterial disease;
  • pathology of the retina - swelling of the optic disc, hemorrhages, exudates.

If a patient suffering from hypertension does not receive therapy that helps lower blood pressure, the disease progresses, more and more hypertensive crises occur, which sooner or later can cause all sorts of complications:

  • acute hypertensive;
  • pulmonary edema;
  • myocardial infarction or unstable angina;
  • stroke or transient ischemic attack;
  • aortic dissection;
  • eclampsia in pregnant women.

Secondary, or symptomatic, arterial hypertension is a persistent increase in blood pressure, the cause of which can be clarified. It accounts for only 5% of cases of arterial hypertension.

Of the diseases leading to increased pressure, the most commonly diagnosed are:

  • damage to the kidney tissue;
  • adrenal tumors;
  • diseases renal arteries and aorta (coarctation);
  • pathology of the central nervous system (brain tumors, polyneuritis);
  • (polycythemia);
  • pathology of the thyroid gland (-, -, hyperparathyroidism) and other diseases.

Complications of this type arterial hypertension the same as in hypertension, plus complications of the underlying disease that provoked hypertension.

Heart failure

A common pathological condition that is not independent disease, but there is a consequence, the outcome of other acute and chronic heart diseases. In this condition, due to changes in the heart, its pumping function is disrupted - the heart is not able to provide all organs and tissues with blood.

Complications of heart failure are:

  • arrhythmias;
  • congestive;
  • thromboembolism;
  • chronic kidney failure(the so-called "stagnant kidney");
  • cardiac cachexia (exhaustion);
  • disorders of cerebral circulation.

Acquired heart defects

Acquired heart defects occur in approximately 1-10 people per 1000 population, depending on the region of residence, and account for about 20% of all organic heart lesions.

The main reason for the development of acquired heart defects is rheumatic valve disease: 70-80% of all defects are pathological mitral valve, the second place in the frequency of lesions belongs to the aortic valve, stenosis and / or insufficiency are relatively rarely diagnosed tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve.

This pathology affects people of different age groups. Every 2nd patient with heart disease needs surgical treatment.

The essence of the disease lies in the fact that under the influence of etiological factors, the heart valves lose their ability to function normally:

  • stenosis is a narrowing of the valve, as a result of which it does not pass enough blood, and the organs experience a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia;
  • insufficiency - the valve flaps do not close completely, as a result of which blood is thrown from the part of the heart located below to the part located above; the result is the same - the organs and tissues of the body do not receive the oxygen they need, and their function is impaired.

Complications of heart defects are many conditions, among which the most common are acute, infectious broncho-pulmonary complications, chronic circulatory failure, atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism and others.

Clinically, myocarditis is manifested by attacks of retrosternal pain, signs of valve pathology, symptoms of arrhythmias, and circulatory disorders. May be asymptomatic.

The prognosis for this disease depends on the severity of its course: mild and moderate forms, as a rule, end with a complete recovery of the patient within 12 months after the onset of the disease, while severe ones can lead to sudden death, refractory circulatory failure and thromboembolic complications.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathies are independent, steadily progressive forms of damage to the heart muscle of unclear or controversial etiology. Within 2 years, about 15% of patients die from some forms of this disease in the absence of symptoms, and up to 50% in the presence of symptoms corresponding to the disease. They are the cause of death in 2-4% of adults, as well as the main cause of sudden death in young athletes.

Possible causes of cardiomyopathy are:

  • heredity;
  • infection;
  • metabolic diseases, in particular, glycogenoses;
  • lack of certain substances in the diet, in particular selenium, thiamine;
  • pathology of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, acromegaly);
  • neuromuscular pathology (muscular dystrophy);
  • exposure to toxic substances - alcohol, drugs (cocaine), certain medications (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin);
  • diseases of the blood system (some types of anemia, thrombocytopenia).

Clinically, cardiomyopathies are manifested by all kinds of symptoms of cardiac dysfunction: angina attacks, fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances.

Especially dangerous is cardiomyopathy with an increased risk of sudden death.


Pericarditis

- this is inflammation of the sheets of the membrane of the heart - the pericardium - infectious or non-infectious etiology. Parts of the pericardium are replaced by fibrous tissue, exudate accumulates in its cavity. Pericarditis is divided into dry and exudative, acute and chronic.

Clinically manifested by chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, muscle pain, combined with signs of the underlying disease.

The most formidable complication of pericarditis is cardiac tamponade - the accumulation of fluid (inflammatory or blood) between the layers of the pericardium, preventing normal contractions of the heart.

Infective endocarditis

Represents inflammatory lesion valve structures with subsequent spread to other organs and systems resulting from the introduction bacterial infection into the structures of the heart. This disease is the 4th leading cause of death of patients from infectious pathology.

In recent years, the incidence of infective endocarditis has increased significantly, which is associated with a wider spread of surgical interventions on the heart. It can occur at any age, but most often affects people between the ages of 20 and 50 years. The ratio of the incidence of men and women is approximately 2:1.

Infective endocarditis is a potentially life-threatening disease, therefore timely diagnosis its adequate, effective treatment and rapid detection of complications are extremely important to improve the prognosis.

Arrhythmias


As a rule, arrhythmia is not an independent pathology, but a consequence of other cardiac or non-cardiac diseases.

Heart rhythm disturbances are not separate diseases, but are manifestations or complications of any pathological conditions associated with heart disease or non-cardiac pathology. Can long time be asymptomatic and may be life threatening. There are many types of arrhythmias, but 80% of them are due to extrasystole and atrial fibrillation.

Clinically, arrhythmias are manifested by a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, a sense of fear, and others. unpleasant symptoms. Their severe forms can provoke the development of cardiac asthma, pulmonary edema, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmic shock, and also cause sudden death of the patient.

Which doctor to contact

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are treated by a cardiologist. Often they are combined with the pathology of the endocrine glands, so it will be useful to consult an endocrinologist and a nutritionist. A cardiac surgeon and a vascular surgeon are often involved in the treatment of patients. Patients must be examined by a neurologist, ophthalmologist.

1 , mean: 5,00 out of 5)