There are few diseases related to circulation
Arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries
- Symptoms : Raised blood pressure. Poor circulation to the part concerned. Can lead to heart attack or stroke
- Action : Preventive measures the best. Stop smoking, reduce weight, eat less animal fat, more exercise. Consult doctor to treat high blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis - building up of fat in the arteries
- Symptoms : Blood pressure maybe raised. Can lead to heart attack or stroke
- Action : Special diet may help by reducing fat and cholesterol levels.
Shock - collapse of circulation due to blood-loss, burns, heart failure and other causes
- Symptoms : Fast, weak pulse. Skin clammy, breath short, blood pressure very low
- Action : Need medical attention and immediate treatment
Peripheral vascular disease - severe narrowing and formation of clots in arteries and veins, usually of legs
- Symptoms : Cramps in legs during exercise; feet redden when lowered, turn white when raised; toes and fingers pale and cold
- Action : Consult doctor. May need surgery to by-pass affected vessels. Take care of foot infections. Stop smoking.
High blood pressure - hypertension
- Symptoms : Forceful pulse. May have dizziness, headaches, florid complexion, shortness of breath
- Action : See a doctor. Drugs needed to treat the condition.
Stroke - clot of blood in a brain artery (cerebral thrombosis) or breaking of a blood vessel in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage)
- Symptoms : Sudden paralysis, usually down one side of the body. May be perceded by headaches, vomiting and drowsiness.
- Action : Need medical attention. Treatment followed by convalescence and rehabilitation
Pulmonary embolism - clot in one of the arteries of the lung
- Symptoms : Pain in the legs and chest. Coughing, short breath, skin looks blue. Sputum may contain blood.
- Action : Need medical emergency. Hospital care needed with the use of anticoagulants and possibly surgery
Phlebitis - inflammation in a vein, most commonly in a varicose vein of the leg. Often leads to the formation of a clot (thrombus)
- Symptoms : Leg white, painful and swollen, feels heavy
- Action : Consult a doctor. Rest in bed. Use crepe bandage to support the affected area
Aneuryism - weakening of an artery causing it to balloon out
- Symptoms : There may be pain in the back, chest or abdomen depending on the position of the affected artery
- Action : Need treatment. Surgery may be needed to remove or strengthen the diseased part to construct a by-pass.
Varicose veins
- Symptoms : Swelling of veins, usually in legs. Legs ache.
- Action : See a doctor if painful
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Overweight is a problem whereby your body carries too much fat. The fat needs to be stored somewhere. Unfortunately, a fatty build-up often occurs in, among other places, the heart and arteries. Therefore, they no longer can carry as large a blood supply as previously.