The cardiac system, also known as the circulatory system, plays a crucial role in sustaining life by circulating blood throughout the body. This system consists mainly of the heart, the blood vessels and the blood itself. The heart, a robust and dynamic muscle, acts as a pump that propels blood through a complex network of blood vessels, namely arteries, veins and capillaries.
The heart is divided into four chambers: the two upper chambers are the atria and the two lower are the ventricles. The pumping process begins when the atria receive the blood returning to the heart. The ventricles then contract, sending blood to the large arteries. This cycle is regulated by electrical signals that trigger cardiac contraction, which is essential for maintaining an appropriate heart rate and efficient circulation.
Heart disease is one of the world's leading causes of mortality. They can take several forms:
Heart disease can be effectively prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle:
Diagnosis of cardiac disorders can involve several types of examination:
Heart rate is a vital indicator of cardiac health. A regular rhythm and appropriate frequency are essential to ensure efficient blood circulation throughout the body. Irregularities, such as tachycardia (a rhythm that's too fast) or bradycardia (a rhythm that's too slow), may indicate underlying heart problems that require medical evaluation. Monitoring your heart rate can help detect these problems early.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, places excessive stress on the walls of the blood vessels and the heart. In the long term, this can lead to thickening and hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack andstroke. Regular blood pressure monitoring and appropriate treatment are crucial to minimizing damage to the cardiac system.
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently, leading to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, feet, ankles or other parts of the body. This condition can result from a number of heart problems, including coronary heart disease and hypertension. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and weight gain. Early treatment is crucial to managing this condition and improving quality of life.
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that enables doctors to visualize the heart's blood vessels and measure the pressures inside the heart chambers. It is often necessary to assess the extent of coronary lesions and determine the need for interventions such as stenting or bypass surgery. This procedure is recommended when symptoms or tests suggest significant coronary disease.
Warning signs of a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, include intense chest pain, often described as a feeling of pressure or tightness, which may radiate to the left arm, back or jaw. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, excessive sweating and a general feeling of malaise. Recognizing these signs and seeking prompt medical assistance is crucial to reducing damage to the heart muscle.
