The circulatory system in the human body, also known as the cardiovascular system, is made up of the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries and it is responsible for the transport and distribution of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. This basically means that the circulatory system is of vital importance and diseases affecting the healthy functioning of this human body system are major sources of disability and death. According to the American Heart Association, circulatory system diseases represent one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The common circulatory system diseases
- Aortic aneurysm
The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to all parts of the body. A bulging of part of this artery is called an aneurysm. Large or fast growing aneurysms can sometimes rupture causing significant loss of blood into the abdominal cavity. Usually, aortic aneurysm has no symptoms.
- Atherosclerosis
In atherosclerosis, a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaques are made up of cells, some fats and connective tissue. Growth of plaques in the arteries blocks blood flow to the affected areas and can possibly lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis describes a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the human body. The clot is a clumping of blood within the vessel. Deep vein thrombosis can lead to pain, swelling and skin discoloration in the affected area. The main danger of a deep vein thrombosis is that a piece of the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism.
- Polyarteritis nodosa
Ployarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory disease that mostly affects the small and medium sized arteries in the human body. The circulatory system disease can sometimes have serious repercussions on several body systems including the skin, the central nervous system, the heart and the intestinal tract. Treatment of polyarteritis nodosa depends on the extent of the illness.
- Arteriovenous malformations
Arteriovenous malformations are abnormal tangles of blood vessels within an area of the circulatory system. Malformations that form in the brain or spinal cord can result in particularly severe problems and even death. Common effects of this medical condition include headaches, seizures and paralysis.