A Brief Summary about Blood Circulation: Function and Diseases

 

The human body is a complex structure that is both connected, and supported, by the cardiovascular system. With the help of some of the most prominent vascular specialists in Dayton, we have prepared this brief summary to learn more about this complex and fascinating internal system.

The Vascular System

The vascular system consists of a network of blood vessels that are spread throughout the body. These blood vessels act as highways that carry oxygenated blood to and from the body. There are three types of blood vessels:

-          Arteries are the thickest among the vessels and carry blood away from the heart. Except for the Pulmonary (lungs), all arteries carry oxygenated blood.

-          Veins are elastic and flexible. Their purpose is to carry blood towards the heart. Aside from Pulmonary, all veins carry deoxygenated blood.

-          Capillaries are tiny single-celled vessels and their primary purpose is to serve as the connection between arteries and veins. 

Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases consist of abnormalities or blockages within the blood vessels, leading to disruptions in the circulation of blood. To simplify the study of vascular diseases, vascular specialists in Dayton categorize conditions based on the vessel’s location.

Let’s take a look at some to better understand the concept.

-          Peripheral artery disease, or PAD for short, refers to the blockage or disruptions in vessels supplying blood to peripheral (other than the heart i.e. arms and legs) parts. It is caused by the formation of plaque, which, if not treated on time, can cause gangrene.

-          Raynaud's phenomenon is a rare disorder where the blood vessels in the extremities (fingers) swell up due to inflammation-causing narrowing pathway

-          Carotid artery disease or CAD refers to the group of diseases that affect the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart. These diseases can often damage the heart and lead to other cardiovascular diseases.

-          Cerebrovascular diseases are conditions that involve the blood vessels carrying blood to and from the brain.

Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases

Unhealthy Diet

Oil, grease, and sugar are energy-rich foods that the human body is very efficient at storing but it doesn’t know when to stop. Such foods are stored as fat deposits throughout the body. Excess accumulation of fat can lead to high blood cholesterol levels which can cause plaque formation, and heart attacks, etc.

Long Periods of Inactivity

Studies have shown that long periods of inactivity can not only cause cholesterol accumulation but also stiffen the blood vessels which can lead to clot formation.

To avoid such complications, vascular specialists in Dayton recommend that you partake in one hour of aerobic/physical activity at least five days a week.

Genetics

So far the reasons we’ve discussed originated from the consequence of our negligence, like eating unhealthy foods and not exercising enough. But not all vascular conditions are like that. Some are carried through by genes. 

-          Vascular aneurysms are formations of bulges on blood vessels, caused due to the weakening of the vascular walls. These can burst, which leads to uncontrollable, and potentially fatal, internal bleedings.

-          Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-inflammatory disease caused due to abnormal growth within arterial walls, leading to narrower pathways.

Conclusion

Although they rarely affect your standard of living, many vascular complications can lead to sudden, more severe problems. It is recommended that you regularly get yourself checked by a cardiovascular consultant to avoid any major and sudden complications.