Common Diseases of the Circulation

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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