A stroke or cardiovascular accident is a type of cardiovascular condition that affects the blood vessels in charge of supplying blood, vital oxygen, and nutrients to the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. The blood flow is interrupted, depriving that particular area of the brain [...]
Circulatory system problems arise when there is limited blood flow to the legs, hands, heart and rest of the body. The blood vessels become blocked as a fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens and constricts the walls of the arteries and veins. This interrupts the normal flow of blood through the vessels and [...]
Blood pressure is defined as the force that the blood exerts on the veins and arteries while it circulates around the body. If this force is greater than it should be, it is often referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension. Blood pressure is controlled by a variety of organs and body systems, including [...]
The term diuretic refers to any substance that helps to rid the body of excess body fluids and salts through urination. These can take the form of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic and herbal remedies or certain foods with diuretic qualities that promote urine formation. Whatever the source, diuretics help to prevent or treat a [...]
Heart failure describes the condition where the heart is not pumping at full efficiency and cannot keep up with the blood flow demand from the body’s organs. When the heart no longer pumps as it should, the organs in the body become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and symptoms soon arise.
Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts on the veins and arteries while it circulates through the body. We express the measurement of blood pressure as a ratio, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number is the pressure exerted when blood is pumped into the arteries as the heart muscle contracts (systolic pressure). [...]
Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or the feeling of pressure in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen. When the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, the blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed and [...]
It’s estimated that nearly 30 million people in the U.S. are affected by high blood pressure. This would make high blood pressure the third most common chronic ailment in the nation. More importantly, high blood pressure is an excellent predictor for who will suffer from serious cardiovascular disease in the mid-sixties. It’s time to take [...]
Blood clots consist of blood cells and fibrin strands that form to stop the flow of blood after an injury. Blood clots are vital for wound healing. If blood was not able to clot, death would occur from excessive bleeding from a simple cut.
