Cardiovascular disorders. Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Pain and discomfort in the chest

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most acute problem modern medicine, because mortality from the pathology of the heart and blood vessels came out on top along with tumors. Millions of new cases are registered annually, and half of all deaths are associated with some form of damage to the circulatory organs.

The pathology of the heart and blood vessels has not only a medical, but also a social aspect. In addition to the colossal costs of the state for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, the level of disability remains high. This means that a sick person of working age will not be able to fulfill his duties, and the burden of maintaining him will fall on the budget and relatives.

In recent decades, there has been a significant “rejuvenation” of cardiovascular pathology, which is no longer called a “disease of old age”. Increasingly, among patients there are persons not only mature, but also young age. According to some reports, among children the number of cases of acquired heart disease has increased up to ten times.

Mortality from cardiovascular disease according to World Organization health care reaches 31% of all deaths in the world, coronary disease and strokes account for more than half of cases.

It has been noted that heart disease vascular system are much more common in countries with an insufficient level of socio-economic development. The reasons for this are the inaccessibility of quality medical care, insufficient equipment medical institutions, shortage of personnel, lack of effective preventive work with a population, most of which lives below the poverty line.

We largely owe the spread of CVD to the modern lifestyle, diet, lack of movement and bad habits, therefore, today all kinds of preventive programs are being actively implemented, aimed at informing the population about risk factors and ways to prevent pathology of the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular pathology and its varieties

Group of diseases of cardio-vascular system quite extensive, the list includes:

– , ;
( , );
Inflammatory and infectious lesions - rheumatic or other;
Diseases of the veins -,;
Pathology of the peripheral blood flow.

For most of us, CVD is primarily associated with coronary heart disease. This is not surprising, because it is this pathology that occurs most often, affecting millions of people on the planet. Its manifestations in the form of angina pectoris, rhythm disturbances, sharp forms in the form of a heart attack are widespread among middle-aged and elderly people.

In addition to cardiac ischemia, there are other, no less dangerous and also quite frequent varieties of CVD - hypertension, which only the lazy have not heard of, strokes, peripheral vascular disease.

In most diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the substrate of the lesion is atherosclerosis, which irreversibly changes the vascular walls and disrupts the normal movement of blood to the organs. - severe damage to the walls of blood vessels, but in the diagnosis it appears extremely rarely. This is due to the fact that clinically it is usually expressed in the form of cardiac ischemia, encephalopathy, cerebral infarction, damage to the vessels of the legs, etc., therefore, these diseases are considered the main ones.

Ischemic heart disease (CHD) is a condition where by altered atherosclerosis coronary arteries insufficient volume of blood is delivered to the heart muscle to ensure the exchange. The myocardium experiences a lack of oxygen, hypoxia sets in, followed by -. Pain becomes the answer to circulatory disorders, and structural changes begin in the heart itself - connective tissue grows (), cavities expand.

factors in the development of coronary artery disease

The extreme degree of malnutrition of the heart muscle results in heart attack- myocardial necrosis, which is one of the most severe and dangerous types of coronary artery disease. Men are more susceptible to myocardial infarction, but in old age, gender differences are gradually erased.

An equally dangerous form of damage to the circulatory system can be considered arterial hypertension.. It is common among people of both sexes and is diagnosed already from the age of 35-40. Increased blood pressure contributes to persistent and irreversible changes in the walls of arteries and arterioles, as a result of which they become inflexible and brittle. Stroke is a direct consequence of hypertension and one of the most severe pathologies with a high mortality rate.

High pressure also affects the heart: it increases, its walls thicken due to increased load, while the blood flow in the coronary vessels remains at the same level, therefore, with a hypertensive heart, the likelihood of coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction, increases many times over.

Cerebrovascular pathology includes acute and chronic forms circulatory disorders in the brain. It is clear that acute in the form of a stroke is extremely dangerous, since it makes the patient disabled or leads to his death, but chronic variants of damage to cerebral vessels cause many problems.

typical development of ischemic brain disorders due to atherosclerosis

Encephalopathy against the background of hypertension, atherosclerosis, or their simultaneous influence, it causes disruption of the brain, it becomes increasingly difficult for patients to perform work duties, with the progression of encephalopathy, difficulties in everyday life appear, and the extreme degree of the disease is when the patient is incapable of independent existence.

listed above diseases of the cardiovascular system are so often combined in the same patient and exacerbate each other, that it is often difficult to draw a clear line between them. For example, a patient suffers from high blood pressure, complains of pain in the heart, has already suffered a stroke, and the reason for everything is atherosclerosis of the arteries, stress, lifestyle. In this case, it is difficult to judge which pathology was primary; most likely, the lesions developed in parallel in different organs.

Inflammatory processes in the heart() - myocarditis, endocarditis, pericarditis - are much less common than the previous forms. Most common cause they become when the body reacts in a peculiar way to streptococcal infection, attacking with protective proteins not only the microbe, but also its own structures. Rheumatic heart disease is the lot of children and adolescents, adults usually already have a consequence - heart disease.

Heart defects are congenital and acquired. Acquired defects develop against the background of the same atherosclerosis, when the valve leaflets accumulate on themselves fatty plaques, calcium salts, sclerosed. Another cause of an acquired defect can be rheumatic endocarditis.

With damage to the valve leaflets, both narrowing of the hole () and expansion () is possible. In both cases, there is a violation of blood circulation in a small or large circle. Stagnation in a large circle is manifested by typical symptoms of chronic heart failure, and with the accumulation of blood in the lungs, shortness of breath will become the first sign.

the valvular apparatus of the heart is a “target” for carditis and rheumatism, the main cause of acquired heart defects in adults

Most heart failures eventually end in heart failure, which can be acute or chronic. Acute heart failure possible against the background of a heart attack, hypertensive crisis, severe arrhythmia and is manifested by pulmonary edema, acute in the internal organs, cardiac arrest.

chronic heart failure also referred to as forms of coronary artery disease. It complicates angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, previous myocardial necrosis, long-term arrhythmias, heart defects, dystrophic and inflammatory changes in the myocardium. Any form of cardiovascular pathology can result in heart failure.

Signs of heart failure are stereotyped: patients develop edema, the liver enlarges, the skin becomes pale or cyanotic, shortness of breath torments, fluid accumulates in the cavities. Both acute and chronic forms of heart failure can cause death of the patient.

Vein pathology as varicose veins, thrombosis, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis occurs both among the elderly and young people. In many ways, the spread of varicose veins contributes to lifestyle modern man(nutrition, hypodynamia, excess weight).

Varicose veins usually involve lower extremities when the subcutaneous or deep veins of the legs or thighs expand, but such a phenomenon is also possible in other vessels - the veins of the small pelvis (especially in women), portal system liver.

Congenital anomalies, such as aneurysms and malformations, constitute a special group of vascular pathology.- this is a local expansion of the vascular wall, which can form in the vessels of the brain and internal organs. In the aorta, aneurysms are often atherosclerotic in nature, and dissection of the affected area is extremely dangerous due to the risk of rupture and sudden death.

With, when there was a violation of the development of the vascular walls with the formation of abnormal tangles and tangles, neurologists and neurosurgeons face, since these changes are most dangerous when located in the brain.

Symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease

Having very briefly touched on the main types of pathology of the cardiovascular system, it is worth paying a little attention to the symptoms of these ailments. The main complaints are:

Discomfort in the chest, heart failure;

Pain is the main symptom of most heart diseases. It accompanies angina pectoris, heart attack, arrhythmias, hypertensive crises. Even a slight discomfort in the chest or short-term, not intense pain should be a cause for concern, and with acute, “dagger” pain, you need to urgently seek qualified help.

In ischemic heart disease, pain is associated with oxygen starvation myocardium due to atherosclerotic lesions of the heart vessels. Stable angina occurs with pain in response to exercise or stress, the patient takes nitroglycerin, which eliminates the pain attack. Unstable angina is manifested by pain at rest, drugs do not always help, and the risk of a heart attack or severe arrhythmia increases, so the pain that arose on its own in a patient with cardiac ischemia serves as the basis for seeking the help of specialists.

Acute, severe pain in the chest, radiating to the left arm, under the shoulder blade, to the shoulder, may indicate a myocardial infarction. P taking nitroglycerin does not eliminate it, and among the symptoms appear shortness of breath, rhythm disturbances, a sense of fear of death, severe anxiety.

Most patients with pathology of the heart and blood vessels experience weakness and quickly get tired. This is due to insufficient provision of tissues with oxygen. With an increase in chronic heart failure, resistance to physical exertion sharply decreases, it is difficult for the patient to walk even a short distance or climb a couple of floors.

symptoms of advanced heart failure

Almost all cardiac patients experience shortness of breath. It is especially characteristic of heart failure with damage to the heart valves. Defects, both congenital and acquired, can be accompanied by stagnation of blood in the pulmonary circulation, resulting in difficulty breathing. A dangerous complication of such damage to the heart can be pulmonary edema, requiring immediate medical attention.

Edema is associated with congestive heart failure. First, they appear in the evening on the lower extremities, then the patient notes their spread upwards, the hands, tissues of the abdominal wall, and the face begin to swell. In severe heart failure, fluid accumulates in the cavities - the stomach increases in volume, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness in the chest increase.

Arrhythmias can be manifested by a feeling of a strong heartbeat or fading. Bradycardia, when the pulse slows down, contributes to fainting, headaches, dizziness. Rhythm changes are more pronounced during physical exertion, experiences, after heavy meals and alcohol intake.

Cerebrovascular diseases with lesions brain vessels, manifested by headaches, dizziness, changes in memory, attention, intellectual performance. Against the background of hypertensive crises, in addition to the headache, the heartbeat, the flashing of "flies" before the eyes, and the noise in the head are disturbing.

An acute circulatory disorder in the brain - a stroke - is manifested not only by pain in the head, but also by a variety of neurological symptoms. The patient may lose consciousness, paresis and paralysis develop, sensitivity is disturbed, etc.

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiologists, internists, and vascular surgeons are involved in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Conservative therapy is prescribed by a polyclinic doctor, and if necessary, the patient is sent to a hospital. Possibly also surgery certain types of pathology.

The main principles of therapy for cardiac patients are:

Normalization of the regime, excluding excessive physical and emotional stress;
A diet aimed at correcting lipid metabolism, because atherosclerosis is the main mechanism of many diseases; with congestive heart failure, fluid intake is limited, with hypertension - salt, etc .;
Giving up bad habits and physical activity - the heart must fulfill the load it needs, otherwise the muscle will suffer even more from “underloading”, therefore cardiologists recommend walking and feasible exercises even for those patients who have had a heart attack or heart surgery;
drug therapy;
Surgical interventions.

Medical therapy includes the appointment of drugs of various groups, depending on the patient's condition and the type of cardiac pathology. Most often used:

(atenolol, metoprolol);
Different kinds ;
, indicated for severe defects, cardiomyopathies, myocardial dystrophy.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathology of the heart and blood vessels are always very costly activities, and chronic forms require lifelong therapy and observation, therefore, an important part of the work of cardiologists. To reduce the number of patients with pathology of the heart and blood vessels, early diagnosis of changes in these organs and their timely treatment by doctors in most countries of the world, preventive work is actively carried out.

Need to be informed as soon as possible more people about the role of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition, movements in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. With the active participation of the World Health Organization, various programs are being implemented aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality from this pathology.

This article will address issues related to vascular problems. You will learn about the main symptoms, signs, methods of prevention and treatment.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of serious complications and death. Vascular diseases account for 60% of the total number of pathologies, and ranks 4th in the world in terms of frequency of occurrence according to official data medical statistics US Institute of Research, 2014. Our circulatory system is quite unique and perfect. The center of this system is the heart, being a pump, it pumps blood continuously. It is connected to an extensive system of arteries, veins of large and small diameters and a network of capillaries. Blood flows through our vessels, carrying oxygen and useful material into organs and tissues. In a young body, the vessels have a sufficient amount of collagen and substances that help our vessels to remain elastic and have a smooth inner surface. But with age, our blood vessels undergo significant changes. Namely: arteries and veins lose their elasticity and strength, they completely change their structure and composition. The inner surface becomes loose, microcracks appear in it, which further contribute to the occurrence of bleeding and thrombophlebitis of the vessels, the deposition of fatty plaques. Fat deposits appear on the inner surface of the walls, more often these are arteries - atherosclerotic plaques, or atherosclerosis. This is a fairly common occurrence. Atherosclerosis is a common, in most cases hereditary, disease, during which the elastic and muscular type arteries, in the form of growth connective tissue in combination with lipid (fatty) impregnation inner shell arteries, given by D.A. Aronova, 2013

It is important to understand and know what kind of problems can be with the vessels, and their main clinical symptoms and early signs.

Symptoms and signs of vascular problems

Most of all cardiovascular diseases are related in one way or another. Given the normal processes in our body, all useful substances, including cholesterol, the rate of which varies, in our body is 3.3 - 5.5 mmol / l. According to the recommendation of the European Association of Cardiology for patients with diseases circulatory system, installed scheme normal indicators biochemical spectrum of lipids (taking blood from a vein in the laboratory), from 2000. Where the norm of total cholesterol is less than 5 mmol / l; LDL cholesterol(low-density lipoprotein, or "bad cholesterol") less than 3 mmol / l. HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or " good cholesterol”, its high content in the blood is also called “longevity syndrome”) less than 1 mmol / l. It is determined in specialized biochemical laboratories, medical clinics and hospitals. An excess of total cholesterol leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of our vessels. Subsequently, they narrow the inner diameter of the lumen of the arteries, which in turn leads to a slowdown in blood circulation, and the formation of blood clots. In the future, organs and entire organ systems that are directly dependent on the blood supply to these vessels do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen.

With significant vascular pathology, most people will develop a number of serious diseases:

hypertonic disease;
atherosclerosis;
neurodiscirculatory-vascular dystonia;
varicose veins;
phlebitis and thrombophlebitis;
cerebrovascular crises;
myocardial infarction and brain;
migraine and migraine attacks;
heart failure;
cardiac ischemia.

Clinical manifestations associated with vascular diseases directly depend on the location and on the organ that is affected. If the affected organ is the heart, then in most cases a person feels pain and a feeling of squeezing behind the sternum in the region of the heart, slight shortness of breath during physical exertion or at rest. With pathology of cerebral vessels, patients experience: memory impairment, weakness in the limbs, dizziness, up to loss of consciousness. If a person has varicose veins of the lower extremities, then the main manifestations of the disease will be: rapid fatigue and significant pain in the lower extremities, even with minor physical exertion, swelling of the legs and feet, the appearance of dilated veins on the skin, the so-called "venous spider veins"

There are a lot of vascular diseases, another example is a significant change in blood circulation in the smallest vessels - capillaries. A person with this type of disorder will notice in himself the first manifestations of a feeling of cold and numbness in the upper and lower extremities, pale skin with a decrease in temperature environment, or being out in the cold. The hereditary factor is of great importance, namely, if one of your relatives suffered from vascular diseases in your family, then remember that it is possible for a number of negative factors to manifest in you as well.

Important do not draw independent conclusions about your illness and in no case prescribe yourself self-treatment. Consult your doctor.

Consequently, with vascular disease, there is a significant difficulty in blood circulation in the vessels. In recognition incorrect operation circulatory system, in particular blood vessels, the following clinical signs will help you:

recurring headaches and dizziness;
throbbing pain or pulsation of the veins in the neck, darkening in the eyes, with sharp tilts of the head and changes in body position;
sensation of numbness and coldness in the extremities;
feeling uncomfortable when the weather changes;
sharp increase or decrease in numbers blood pressure;
a sharp increase (tachycardia) or slowing (bradycardia) of the pulse;
loss of consciousness;
feeling unwell at high ambient temperatures;
throbbing pain in the head;

An important point in vascular diseases is their prevention and treatment.

Prevention of vascular problems

Given the difficulties in early detection of diseases of the vascular system, most people seek help from specialists at a time when the course of the disease requires urgent and correct therapy. Therefore, prevention of this kind of disease is essential.

An important point in the process of prevention, vascular diseases has always been the correct regimen, balanced and balanced diet. Diet and lifestyle changes are the first and necessary steps to prevent vascular pathology.

The basis of the diet should include a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and various fruits. The key is to reduce consumption total fat and reducing saturated fats, namely, it is necessary to limit consumption of: butter, margarine, whole milk, cream, pork tenderloin, duck, sausages, cakes, coconut and palm oil, coffee.

It has been proven that today there are a number of food products, when consumed, a person can prevent the occurrence of blood clots, therefore, their mechanism of action is aimed at the anticoagulant abilities of our body, and these substances act as a weak anticoagulant. This includes such products:

all foods containing vitamin K: liver, fish, mushrooms.
black and green teas;
ginger root;
cauliflower;
seafood and seaweed;
avocado;
berries: raspberries, strawberries;
bananas and pineapples, citrus fruits.

Not less than important condition is the reference correct mode sleep and rest (you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day), the rejection of bad habits, engaging in correct and normalized sports, frequent exposure to fresh air and maintaining an active and rational lifestyle.

Treatment of vascular problems

In cases of occurrence, vascular pathology, in which, it is necessary to prescribe only therapeutic treatment, in this situation it is recommended to seek immediate medical care to the doctor. Only a specialist is able to correctly and rationally establish an accurate diagnosis, with the help of latest methods instrumental diagnostics, diseases of the circulatory system and, accordingly, prescribe the correct treatment.

So the basis of treatment is the principle of prescribing drugs, depending on the specific case of vascular disease. Namely, it is necessary to take drugs that affect the metabolism of lipids in the body. In modern medical practice, fibrates are widely used: bezafibrate 1 tablet (0.2 g) 3 times a day, for a long time, the doctor selects the timing of admission individually. Fenofibrate (lipantil) 1 capsule (0.2 g) 1 time per day. A nicotinic acid 0.05 g each (up to 3-6 g / day), etc.

We should also not forget to strengthen the vascular wall of blood vessels with a drug such as ascorutin 1 tab. (50 mg.) 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. Troxerutin at a dose of 60-90 mg / day for 2-4 weeks with varicose veins, thrombophlebitis. Application of multivitamin: duovit 1 tab. per day, kvadevit 1 tab. 1 time per day for a month.

Remember There are a lot of treatment regimens and drugs, but their correct use and dosages are necessary, only after consultation with a specialist, for a specific vascular disease.

An important point is regular visits to specialized clinics and hospitals every six months if a person has vascular pathology. Obtaining appropriate advice and prescribing a treatment regimen.

Leading an active lifestyle physical exercises and a normalized working day will also have a positive effect on the condition of your blood vessels.

Sources:

Hadronov S.A. " Modern diagnostics and prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases "M. 2005
Esvtratov K.S. "Disease of the circulatory system in the pathology of fat metabolism" L. 2003
Moskalenko V.F. "The main directions of the implementation of programs for the diagnosis and therapy of pathology of the circulatory system" K. 2008

Cardiovascular disease, along with oncological diseases and diabetes, firmly hold the primacy among the most common and dangerous diseases of the 20th, and now the 21st century. The most terrible epidemics of plague, smallpox, and typhus that raged in former times are a thing of the past, but their place has not remained empty. New times correspond to new diseases. The medicine of the future will rightly call the 20th century the “epoch of cardiovascular diseases”.

CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide: no other cause causes as many deaths each year as CVD;

This problem is in varying degrees affects low- and middle-income countries. More than 82% of CVD deaths occur in these countries, almost equally among men and women.

By 2030, about 23.6 million people will die from CVD, mainly from heart disease and stroke, which are projected to remain the only leading causes of death. The largest percentage increase in these cases is expected in the eastern Mediterranean region, and the largest number of deaths in the south-eastern region.

To understand the disease, first consider what the heart is.

The HEART is the central organ of the human circulatory system, pumping blood into the arterial system and ensuring its return through the veins. The heart is a hollow muscular organ divided into 4 chambers: the right and left atria, the right and left ventricles. The function of the heart is carried out by alternating contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the muscles of the atria and ventricles. The activity of the heart is regulated by neurohumoral mechanisms or under the influence of the central nervous system, however, the heart muscle has automatism.

Human heart in section:
1 - left atrium;
2 - pulmonary veins;
3 - mitral valve;
4 - left ventricle;
5 - interventricular septum;
6 - right ventricle;
7 - bottom vena cava;
8 - tricuspid valve;
9 - right atrium;
10 - sinoatrial node;
11 - superior vena cava;
12 - atrioventricular node.

The human cardiovascular system, which was formed in the process of its biological evolution, has not changed significantly throughout the history of mankind. But our way of life is very different from the way of life of our distant, and even not very distant, ancestors. At that time, movement, obtaining food, creating housing and all other types of activity required a constant and large expenditure of muscle strength from a person. And the human circulatory system is initially focused on such an intensely mobile lifestyle. For its normal functioning, for example, a person must walk at least 6 km a day, and this is daily! By today's city standards, walking even one or two bus stops to the nearest metro station is beyond the power of many. More often than not, there is no time for it.

It may seem surprising that a huge part of the diseases of the cardiovascular system is not due to excessive stress on it, but because of its chronic, constant underload. However, this is surprising only at first glance. Everyone, of course, knows very well how muscles weaken if they are not trained. And there is also a muscle in the heart, and high loads are just as useful for it as for all other muscles in the body. Of course, now we are talking about a healthy heart. Moreover, there is muscle tissue in the blood vessels, and they also need training.

The lack of training of the cardiovascular system leads to problems of a different kind. For most modern people, especially city dwellers, with a global decrease in physical activity, neuropsychological stress has increased exorbitantly. This is largely due to the amount of information that comes to us every day through television, newspapers, the Internet and other media. If we also take into account the fact that a significant part of this information causes sharply negative emotions in us, it becomes clear how overloaded the human nervous system is. But the nervous and cardiovascular systems are closely interconnected. Any strong emotion causes one or another reaction in the body, and any reaction of the body is associated with at least minimal changes in the blood supply to organs. For example, we are ashamed, and our face turns red from the influx of blood. We are scared, we feel chills and trembling in the body - this has entered the blood a large number stress hormone, adrenaline. We are anxious, our heart rate is racing. And there are many such examples. Behind every such, albeit insignificant, change in blood circulation is the cardiovascular system. Nature has provided a way to relieve excess tension from the body: a person is designed in such a way that discharge nervous tension occurs most naturally during increased physical activity. But if the balance between physical and neuropsychic stress is disturbed, then the reaction to emotional stress turns out to be excessively pronounced, prolonged, and acquires pathological features. Thus, diseases such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis begin to develop in the cardiovascular system, and, alas, it is usually followed by the development of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.

Heart attack symptoms.

pain or discomfort in the middle of the chest;
pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back.

Often, the underlying disease of the blood vessels is asymptomatic. A heart attack or stroke may be the first warning of a disease. In addition, the person may experience difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; feel dizzy or lose consciousness; covered with cold sweat and become pale. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back and jaw pain.

People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Cardiovascular diseases are numerous and occur in different ways. Some of them, such as rheumatism or myocarditis, are diseases predominantly of the heart. Other diseases, such as atherosclerosis or phlebitis, primarily affect the arteries and veins. Finally, the cardiovascular system as a whole suffers from the third group of diseases. Arterial hypertension belongs to the last class of diseases. Although it is often difficult to draw such a clear line between heart disease and vascular disease. For example, atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries, but when it develops in the coronary artery, then this type of atherosclerosis is called coronary disease and is already classified as heart disease.

There are diseases of the cardiovascular system, which are based on inflammatory process. Often they are complications of infectious diseases such as influenza or tonsillitis. These rather numerous, but not often occurring diseases include endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis and others. These diseases are usually localized in the region of the heart. Sometimes, however, the heart muscle, the myocardium, can be affected by toxins and as a result of inflammation that has developed in other organs. This scheme of the development of the disease is typical for myocardial dystrophy.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system, originating not in the region of the heart, but in the system of blood vessels, are also quite numerous. Blood vessels, depending on their functions, are divided into arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygenated and nutrients scarlet blood from the heart to the periphery. Dark-colored blood makes its way back through the veins, having given oxygen to the tissues and saturated with carbon dioxide and metabolic products. Having passed full circle, the blood flows back to the heart, where it is again saturated with oxygen and everything starts all over again. Vascular diseases can also be divided into diseases of the venous bed and diseases of the arteries. This separation is easily explained, given that the load on the veins, through which thicker blood flows, is greater than the load on the arteries. The veins of the lower extremities are especially vulnerable: after all, they must conduct blood against the action of gravity. Therefore, it is the veins in the legs that are most affected by varicose veins, as well as inflammatory diseases veins - phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.

As for the arterial bed, it falls on the initial stage of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system - atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. Very often, atherosclerosis develops in the coronary arteries of the heart, this type of atherosclerosis is considered as an independent disease - coronary heart disease. The most frequent clinical manifestations coronary disease are attacks of angina pectoris or, as it is also called, angina pectoris: pain and painful sensations in the region of the heart that occur during exercise, and in complex cases of the disease - even at rest.

A complication of coronary heart disease can be such a formidable condition as myocardial infarction, due to the development of necrosis foci in the heart muscle. Another option for the development of coronary disease is cardiosclerosis, the manifestations of which sometimes become various changes in heart rate(arrhythmias) and heart failure. Both arrhythmias and heart failure, as already mentioned, are not diseases in the strict sense of the word. The term "arrhythmia" refers to various states having one thing in common - deviations from the normal rhythm of heart contractions. heart failure (heart failure) vascular insufficiency) is a complex of pathological signs (shortness of breath, cyanosis, swelling, etc.) indicating that the heart cannot cope with the full load. The causes of heart failure can be different, sometimes they are not even associated with cardiovascular diseases, although most often heart failure develops due to atherosclerosis.

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

All cardiovascular diseases are treated by a cardiologist, self-treatment or self-correction of treatment is completely unacceptable. It is necessary to contact a cardiologist at the slightest sign of heart or vascular disease, because a common feature of almost all cardiovascular diseases is the progressive nature of the disease. If you suspect a heart problem, you can not wait visible symptoms, many diseases of the cardiovascular system begin with the appearance of a subjective feeling in the patient that "something is wrong." The earlier the stage of the disease is revealed by the cardiologist during the examination, the easier, safer and with fewer medications the treatment will be. The disease often develops completely unnoticed by the patient, and deviations from the norm can only be noticed during examination by a cardiologist. Therefore, preventive visits to a cardiologist with a mandatory ECG examination are necessary at least once a year.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Factors associated with an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease can be divided into two groups: those that a person cannot change, and those that can be changed. The former include heredity, male gender and the aging process. The second ones are:

elevated blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides);
hypertension;
smoking;
lack of physical activity;
excess body weight;
diabetes;
stress.

The main risk factors are those that are closely associated with coronary heart disease. It's smoking, hypertension, high levels blood lipids and lack of physical activity. The last factor was added to this list in 1992. Being overweight seems to be one of the main risk factors.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system consists of a set of measures common to most of these diseases, but some diseases, of course, require a separate approach. We will focus on some general recommendations. First of all, diseases of the cardiovascular system arise on the basis of neuropsychic stress. Therefore, reducing their number and intensity is the most powerful preventive measure against all cardiovascular diseases.

Oddly enough, but, according to most people, the most “explosive” place from a neuro-psychological point of view is home. If at work, with strangers, we still try to restrain manifestations negative emotions, then we treat relatives according to the principle “why should we stand on ceremony with our own?” and throw out on them all our irritation accumulated during the day. We often get the same answer. This gives rise to mutual resentment, tension and ... cardiovascular disease. We should remember more often that if we do not do everything possible for the peace and happiness of our loved ones, then no one will. If everyone could change their attitude to the world from demanding to giving, there would definitely be fewer heart problems. So, cardiologists advise you to be kind to yourself and people, not to try to remember grievances, to learn to forgive from the heart, forgetting what you forgave.

Often the main object of a person's constant discontent is himself. Words about love not only for loved ones, but also for oneself, have long been on everyone's lips, and nevertheless we repeat the hackneyed truth: you need to start loving the whole world with yourself. Every person needs positive emotions, therefore, such a powerful preventive effect is possessed by good books, good movies, chatting with friends, active and joyful intimate life with a beloved and loving person.

As we have already said, a necessary component of the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a physically active lifestyle, the same “muscle joy” that Academician Pavlov spoke about. These are sports, long walks in the fresh air, swimming, hiking, that is, any physical activity that gives a person pleasure. It is good to instill in yourself the habit of hardening procedures: it can be cold and hot shower, pouring cold water, walking barefoot in the snow, visiting a bath or sauna - the choice is huge, and everyone can find what he likes best. Meanwhile, all these activities strengthen the walls of blood vessels and thereby prevent many serious diseases. Rest should also be complete. Normal duration sleep should be 8-10 hours a day, and it is better when there is an opportunity to relax during the day.

Of course, one cannot ignore such an important part of our life as food. It has been proven that the abundance of fatty, spicy, salty foods in our diet not only causes obesity, but also has a bad effect on the elasticity of blood vessels, and this disrupts blood flow. Especially acute is the issue with salt in hypertension. In this case, exclusion from the diet table salt is a measure of first necessity. But for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, everyone else should make it a rule never to add salt to food, and put salty delicacies only on festive table. The fact is that excess salt in the body prevents the kidneys from coping with the removal of fluid from it, and thereby creates an extra load on the vessels and the heart. In addition, there are products that, having a tonic effect on the body, can directly affect the cardiovascular system. These include strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages. All this, especially alcohol, should not be abused.

Of course, the most Negative influence Smoking has an effect on the cardiovascular system. Among smokers, almost all cardiovascular diseases are much more common than among non-smokers. And if in relation to alcohol you can still talk about the proven benefits small quantities dry grape wine (this is repeatedly confirmed by French scientists), then smoking does nothing but harm, which is why we are so insistent on the need to completely abandon this habit. And in order to “calm the nerves,” as tobacco addiction is often explained, there are more useful and pleasant ways.

So, to summarize what has been said, we repeat: physical activity, a psychological attitude towards a benevolent attitude towards oneself and the world, proper nutrition, giving up bad habits and regular preventive examinations with a cardiologist - this is the minimum that is necessary in order to be sure that cardiovascular diseases will bypass you. Let's hope that the fashion for a healthy lifestyle that is rapidly conquering the world will help rid the 21st century of the name "the era of cardiovascular diseases."

Somal diagnostic questionnaire.

“Are you at risk for developing cardiovascular disease?”

Circle the correct answer: yes or no
	Your age: 40 years and older (men) 50 years and older (women)
	Hereditary burden of cardiovascular diseases in your relatives (arterial hypertension, early atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, strokes, diabetes mellitus)
	Do you smoke
	Do you follow a proper diet
	Are you overweight (waist circumference for women more than 88cm, for men more than 92cm)
	Do you lead a physically active lifestyle
	Have you had episodes of high blood pressure (above 130/80)
	Do you have elevated blood cholesterol levels (above 5.0 mmol/l)
	Have you ever had an increase in blood sugar (above 5.6 mmol/l) or diabetes
	Do you experience neuropsychic overload (stress) at work, at home

If any 3 YES - means that you are at risk for the development of cardiovascular disease - you need to consult a doctor.

With any 5 YES - means that you need to see a doctor for a more in-depth examination.

Physician-methodologist of the organizational methodological department
L. N. Podobed

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are widespread among the adult population of many countries of the world and occupy a leading place in general statistics mortality. This problem mainly affects countries with medium and low level income - 4 out of 5 deaths from cardiovascular disease were residents of these regions. The reader who does not have medical education, costs 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 with no apparent reason for the increase. It accounts for about 95% of all cases of arterial hypertension.

Main risk factors this disease are the same factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery disease and aggravate the same course hypertension the following accompanying pathology:

diabetes;
cerebrovascular disease - ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, (TIA);
heart disease - myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure;
kidney disease - diabetic nephropathy,;
peripheral arterial disease;
retinal pathology - disc edema optic nerve, 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 of the renal arteries and aorta (coarctation);
pathology of the central nervous system (brain tumors, polyneuritis);
(polycythemia);
pathology thyroid gland(-, -, hyperparathyroidism) and other diseases.

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

Heart failure

A common pathological condition that is not an independent disease, but 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 lesion valves: 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 of the tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve are relatively rarely diagnosed.

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 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. The pericardium is replaced 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

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

AT last years incidence rate infective endocarditis significantly increased, 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 his adequate effective treatment and prompt identification of complications are essential to improve prognosis.

Arrhythmias

Heart rhythm disturbances are not certain 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.

Video version of the article:

At the present time, diseases of the cardiovascular system are a very common problem among people of all age categories. It should be noted that the death rate from these diseases is increasing every year. A huge role in this is played by factors affecting violations in the work of organs.

What criteria are used to classify such pathologies, what symptoms accompany them? How are these diseases treated?

What are they?

All pathologies of the cardiovascular system are grouped depending on their location and nature of the course. Therefore, diseases are divided into the following types:

Heart disease (muscles and valves);
Diseases of the blood vessels(peripheral and other arteries and veins);
General pathologies of the whole system.

There is also a classification of cardiovascular diseases according to etiology:

In addition, these pathological conditions are congenital, and can be hereditary and acquired.

Diseases of the vessels and heart differ in symptoms and severity.

List of diseases of the heart muscle and heart valves:

In addition, cardiac diseases include rhythm disturbances: arrhythmia (tachycardia, bradycardia), heart block.

Vascular pathologies include:

Common diseases of the cardiovascular system that affect the activity of these organs in general are:

hypertonic disease;
stroke;
atherosclerosis;
cardiosclerosis.

The above diseases are very life-threatening and therefore require timely treatment. To avoid such pathologies, it is necessary to follow the rules for the prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Many of our readers actively use the well-known method based on Amaranth seeds and juice, discovered by Elena Malysheva, to reduce the level of CHOLESTEROL in the body. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with this method.

General characteristics and therapy

Common symptoms of cardiovascular pathologies are:

It is important to note that the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is carried out with integrated approach. It includes reception medications, folk remedies, physiotherapeutic procedures, physiotherapy exercises.

Applies also breathing exercises. Scientists have proven that sobbing breath cures cardiovascular diseases.

Ischemic disease

This disease usually occurs in older people. This disease is also called coronary disease due to the fact that the myocardium is affected due to impaired blood circulation in the coronary arteries. Often occurs without any symptoms.

Symptoms occur during physical exertion, the same as with angina pectoris:

feeling of lack of air;
pain in the middle of the chest;
frequent pulse;
increased sweating.

To improve the condition and prevent various complications, the following are prescribed:

In severe cases it is possible surgical intervention– coronary artery bypass grafting, stenting. A special diet is recommended physiotherapy, physiotherapy procedures.

angina pectoris

People call it angina pectoris. It is a consequence of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels. With angina pectoris, there is pain behind the sternum of a compressive nature, radiating to the scapula and upper limb From the left side. Also, during attacks, shortness of breath, heaviness in the chest area occurs.

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The attack is removed with the help of nitroglycerin and its analogues. Beta-blockers are used for treatment (Prinorm, Aten, Azectol, Hipres, Atenolol), isosorbitol dinitrate (Izolong, Ditrat, Sorbidin, Cardiket, Etidiniz).

The patient is prescribed drugs that block calcium channels, as well as drugs that improve metabolic processes in the myocardium.

Myocarditis

With myocarditis, the myocardium becomes inflamed. This is facilitated bacterial infections, allergies, weakened immune system. This disease is characterized sharp pain in chest area, weakness, shortness of breath, disturbed heart rhythm, hyperthermia. The conducted studies testify to the increased size of the organ.

If myocarditis infectious nature then antibiotic therapy is applied. Other medicines prescribed by a specialist depending on the severity of the disease.

myocardial infarction

The disease is characterized by the death of myocardial muscle tissue. This condition is especially dangerous for human life.

The main symptoms are pain behind the sternum, pallor of the skin, loss of consciousness, darkening of the eyes. But if after taking nitroglycerin, the pain with angina pectoris disappears, then with a heart attack, it can bother even for several hours.

With signs of pathology, it is recommended to ensure the patient's rest, for this he is laid on a flat surface. The patient needs to be hospitalized urgently. Therefore, without delay, you need to call an ambulance. It is recommended to take Corvalol (thirty drops).

The risk of death is dangerous in the first hours pathological condition, so the patient is placed in intensive care. Treatment includes the use of drugs to lower venous pressure, normalize cardiac activity and relieve pain.

Rehabilitation activities last up to six months.

Heart disease

Heart disease - deformation of the heart muscle and valves. There are such types of this pathology:

congenital;
Acquired.

Heart disease Tetralogy of Fallot

Congenital ones appear due to the fact that the heart of the fetus was not properly formed in the womb. Acquired lesions are a complication of atherosclerosis, rheumatism, syphilis. The symptoms of the disease are varied, and depend on the location of the defects:

Cardiac defects also include such types of pathologies: mitral stenosis, aortic disease, mitral valve insufficiency, tricuspid insufficiency, stenosis of the aortic orifice.

With such diseases, maintenance therapy is prescribed. One of effective methods treatment is surgical method- with stenosis, commissurotomy is performed, with valve insufficiency - prosthetics. With combined defects, the valve is completely changed to an artificial one.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a disease of the walls of blood vessels, when a certain part of them expands significantly. Most often this occurs in the vessels of the brain, aorta, heart vessels. If the aneurysm of the veins and arteries of the heart ruptures, death occurs instantly.

Symptoms depend on the location of the vasodilatation - the most common is an aneurysm of the cerebral vessels. The disease is mostly asymptomatic. But when the affected area reaches a large size or is on the verge of rupture, then such a pathology is indicated by a strong headache that does not go away within a few days. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in time to avoid disastrous consequences.

Completely get rid of the aneurysm, you can only with the help of surgical intervention.

Atherosclerosis

In this condition, the arteries that are in the organs are affected. The characteristic of the disease is the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, which leads to the fact that their lumen narrows, so the blood supply is disturbed. Atherosclerotic plaques can detach from blood vessels. This phenomenon can be fatal.

Used to treat statins, which lower cholesterol, as well as drugs that improve blood circulation.

Hypertonic disease

general characteristics hypertension - an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Main symptoms:

Treatment is aimed at lowering blood pressure and eliminating the causes of this process. Therefore, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed, for example, beta-blockers (Atenolol, Sotalol, Bisprololol).

In addition, diuretics are used to remove chlorine and sodium (Chlortalidone, Indapamide, Furosemide), and potassium antagonists to prevent disorders in the vessels of the brain (Amplodipine, Nimodipine, Verapamil).

Also, with hypertension, a special diet is prescribed.

A stroke is a serious condition resulting from impaired blood circulation in the brain. Due to malnutrition, the brain tissue begins to be damaged, and the vessels become clogged or ruptured. In medicine, these types of strokes are distinguished:

Hemorrhagic(rupture of the vessel);
Ischemic (blockage).

Stroke symptoms:

acute headache;
convulsions;
lethargy;
drowsiness;
loss of consciousness;
nausea and vomiting.

If such signs are observed, the patient needs urgent hospitalization. To provide first aid, he needs to ensure a lying position, air flow and release from clothing.

Treatment depends on the type of pathology. For the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke, methods are used to reduce pressure and stop hemorrhages in the brain or skull. With ischemic - it is necessary to restore blood circulation in the brain.

In addition, drugs are prescribed to stimulate metabolic processes. Important role plays oxygen therapy. It is important to note that post-stroke rehabilitation is a long process.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are a disease that is accompanied by impaired functioning of the venous blood flow and vascular valves. Most often, pathology spreads to the veins of the lower extremities.

The symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:

puffiness;
change in the shade of the skin near the site of the lesion;
muscle cramps (especially at night);
pain syndrome;
feeling of heaviness in the limbs.

It is recommended to alleviate the condition by wearing compression stockings and exercise. Drug treatment includes the use of venotonic agents, drugs that improve venous blood flow, anticoagulants. In severe cases, surgical intervention is used.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels require timely treatment. To avoid complications, therapy should be comprehensive and systematic.

To prevent pathological processes Proper nutrition and physical therapy are essential. Breathing exercises are effective in this regard, because it has been established that sobbing breathing cures cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease and hereditary predisposition

Among the main causes of pathologies of diseases of the heart and blood vessels is a hereditary factor. These diseases include:

Hereditary pathologies make up a large percentage of the list of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Do you still think that it is impossible to FULLY CURE?

Have you been suffering for a long time from constant headaches, migraines, severe shortness of breath at the slightest load, and plus pronounced HYPERTENSION to all this? Now answer the question: does it suit you? Can ALL THESE SYMPTOMS be tolerated? And how much time have you already "leaked" for ineffective treatment?

Did you know that all these symptoms indicate an INCREASED CHOLESTEROL level in your body? But all that is needed is to bring cholesterol back to normal. After all, it is more correct to treat not the symptoms of the disease, but the disease itself! Do you agree?