Heart Disease & Conditions
Our circulatory system consists of a network of arteries and veins.
The arteries of the system deliver oxygen-enriched blood to the
organs and tissues of the body while the veins route the deoxygenated
or oxygen-poor blood back to the heart and lungs. The development
of a blockage or narrowing of these vessels is referred to as vascular
disease.
This disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque (atherosclerosis)
on the vessel walls. This accumulation eventually obstructs blood
flow through the vessel. When this occurs within an artery, then
less oxygen is delivered to the organs or tissues supplied by this
artery. As with coronary artery disease, plaque formation in the
peripheral vascular system is more likely to occur in those patients
with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, increased cholesterol
levels, and smoking.
Three types of vascular disease are carotid artery disease, aortic
aneurysm, and peripheral vascular disease. Carotid artery disease
involves the vessels leading to the head and brain and is also
referred to as cerebrovascular disease. This circulatory impairment
may lead to a stroke. An aneurysm can actually occur in any large
vessel but most involve the aorta which is the primary vessel supplying
blood from the heart to the body. An aneurysm is a bulging or weakening
of the vessel wall. The most common location of an aortic aneurysm
is in the area of the umbilicus or “belly button.” Rupture
of an aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening emergency.
Peripheral vascular disease refers to problems that occur within
the vessels of the circulatory system outside that of the heart.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) includes both peripheral arterial
disease and peripheral venous disorders. Plaque formation within
the peripheral arterial system impairs blood flow that can lead
to clot formation or compromise in the delivery of oxygen-enriched
blood to the organs and tissues. Peripheral arterial disease can
involve the arteries of the lower extremities or legs resulting
in pain related to the oxygen deprivation within the tissues.
Disease of the peripheral venous system creates impairment in
the return of blood circulation to the heart and lungs. Slow venous
return flow and its changes in pressure within the circulatory
system can lead to clot formation. This creates pain and swelling
in the surrounding area. Deep vein thrombosis refers to the formation
of a large clot that significantly disrupts return blood flow and
results in tissue congestion in the region. The most significant
danger posed by deep vein thrombosis involves the possibility that
the clot will break off and travel to the lungs. This represents
a life-threatening emergency and is called a pulmonary embolism.
