CBSE Class 11 » CBSE Class 11 Study Materials » Biology » Disorders of the Circulatory System

Disorders of the Circulatory System

Let us learn about the circulatory system, it is working and the symptoms and diseases that affect the heart.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, is such a part of our body that transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), helps in disease prevention, and maintain homeostasis. Not only this but the circulatory system also circulates blood, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hormones to and from our body’s cells.

The lymphatic system, which circulates lymph, is part of the circulatory system. Lymph takes more longer to travel through than blood. The heart circulates blood, which is made up of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, through the vertebrate circulatory system, bringing oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials away from all bodily tissues. Excess blood plasma is effectively recycled and returned to the lymphatic system after being filtered from the interstitial fluid (between cells). The blood, heart, and blood arteries are all part of the cardiovascular system. Lymph, lymph nodes and lymph arteries make up the lymphatic system, which returns filtered blood plasma from the interstitial fluid (between cells) as lymph. The circulatory system is impacted by a variety of disorders. Cardiovascular disease and lymphatic disease impact the cardiovascular system and lymphatic system, respectively.

Working of a Circulatory System

Blood vessels, which comprise arteries, veins and capillaries assist the work of the circulatory system. These blood veins operate in tandem with the heart and lungs to keep blood flowing throughout the body. Here’s how the Circulatory system works:

  1.   The right ventricle, the heart’s bottom right pumping chamber, transfers oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The pulmonary trunk is where blood travels (the main pulmonary artery).
  2.   Blood cells pick up oxygen in the lungs.
  3.   Pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart (upper heart chamber).
  4.   The oxygenated blood is sent from the left atrium to the left ventricle (lower chamber). This muscular section of the heart pumps blood via the arteries to the rest of the body.
  5.   Blood absorbs and excretes nutrients, hormones and waste items as it travels through your body and organs.
  6.   The heart, which then transfers the blood to the lungs, receives deoxygenated blood and carbon dioxide.
  7.   Once exhaled, the carbon dioxide leaves the lungs.

Circulatory System Diseases Symptoms 

Plaque accumulation causes blood arteries to constrict or obstruct, which can result in a heart attack, chest discomfort (angina), or stroke. Men and women may have distinct symptoms of coronary artery disease.

The following are examples of circulatory system diseases symptoms:

  •   Pain in the chest, tightness in the chest, pressure in the chest, and discomfort in the chest (angina)
  •   Breathing problems
  •   If the blood arteries in your legs or arms are constricted, you may experience pain, numbness, weakness or coldness
  •   Neck, jaw, throat, upper abdominal or back pain

Disorders of the Circulatory System

The circulatory system can be affected by a variety of circulatory system diseases, including:

  1. Angina pectoris: Angina pectoris, which means “chest discomfort,” arises when the heart does not get enough blood. It’s commonly described as a crushing sensation or as if one’s chest is caught in a vise. Angina pectoris patients may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea.
  2. Heart attack: A heart attack is referred to as a myocardial infarction (MI). A heart attack occurs when the heart’s blood supply is cut off, which is commonly caused by a blood clot. While some heart attacks are modest, others can be fatal.
  3. Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to properly pump blood throughout the body. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing are all possible side effects. Walking, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries are all tough for some persons with heart failure.
  4. Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia: Both arrhythmia and dysrhythmia refer to aberrant cardiac rates and rhythms, and they are commonly used interchangeably. Arrhythmia is defined as “no rhythm” while dysrhythmia is defined as “abnormal rhythm.”
  5. High blood pressure (hypertension): The force or pressure of blood flowing through the veins is constantly too high in people with high blood pressure, often known as hypertension. High blood pressure can result in a stroke, eyesight loss, heart failure, heart attack, renal illness.
  6. Cardiac Ischemia: Cardiac ischemia occurs when the heart muscle is deprived of sufficient oxygen to function effectively. Angina-like pain is common in people with cardiac ischemia, and they may feel as if they are experiencing a heart attack.
  7. Mitral valve regurgitation: Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not shut completely, resulting in a leak that allows some oxygenated blood to flow backward.
  8. Stroke: A stroke occurs when one of the blood arteries leading to the brain is blocked by a blood clot or breaks. This reduces blood flow to the brain and prevents oxygen from reaching there.
  9. Peripheral artery disease (PAD): The constriction of the arteries that lead to the legs, stomach, arms, and head is known as a peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The cells and tissues in the limbs, organs, and brain might be damaged by the decreased blood supply. PAD is more common in those who are older.
  10. High cholesterol: A sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet are the most common causes of high cholesterol. People require cholesterol, but too much can cause a thick film to build on the interior of blood vessels, obstructing blood flow.
  11. Venous thromboembolism (VTE): A blood clot that becomes trapped in a vein and blocks blood flow is known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). It’s a life-threatening ailment that needs immediate medical intervention.
  12. Mitral stenosis: Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve that prevents blood from flowing easily or swiftly through it.
  13. Atherosclerosis: The hardening of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis. It’s usually caused by a high-fat diet, which produces fatty deposits on the blood vessel walls. These fatty deposits adhere to one other, making the arteries stiff and inflexible.
  14. Aortic aneurysms: Aortic aneurysms are a type of aneurysm that affects the body’s major artery. It indicates that the arterial wall has become weaker, causing the artery to enlarge or “balloon out.” An enlarged artery has the potential to explode, causing a medical emergency.
  15. Mitral valve prolapses: Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the mitral valve does not shut uniformly and bulges out or prolapses. The mitral valve is a valve in the heart that pumps oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Conclusion

While scientists aren’t sure what causes all of these circulatory system diseases, there are things that people may do to lower their chances of getting them.

Many illnesses of the circulatory system are connected. High blood pressure, for example, destroys blood vessels, which can lead to other circulatory issues. High cholesterol causes blood arteries to constrict, making it more likely for a person to acquire a blood clot. Obesity or being overweight raises the risk of getting cardiovascular problems. A healthy diet and regular exercise, on the other hand, can help to minimize the risk. Regular exercise protects the heart by lowering the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, all of which are risk factors for circulatory illness. People with cardiovascular illness in their families are more likely to get one themselves. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, can help to lower this risk.