The Cardiovascular System

Any or all cardiovascular system components might suffer from abnormalities or damage that can cause significant health problems. Coronary artery disease, heart attack, excessive blood pressure, or stroke are all common disorders that can impact the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system, along with its components and functions, is the subject of this article. We also go through some of the most common cardiovascular disorders and their therapies.

What is the Cardiovascular System? 

The heart, blood arteries, and blood make up the cardiovascular system. Its main job is to transmit nutrients or oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

The Cardiovascular System Heart Diagram

Structure

Two top chambers called “atria” and two bottom chambers called “ventricles” make up the heart. A septum, or wall, separates the atria and ventricles. Valves regulate the flow of blood between the chambers. The following is the order in which blood passes through the body on its way to the heart:

• Blood is returned to the body via the inferior and superior vena cava veins, entering the right atrium (upper right chamber).

• Blood can flow into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve (lower right chamber).

• The right ventricle is responsible for pumping blood out of the heart through the significant pulmonary artery and the pulmonary valve.

• Blood enters the lungs through the left and right pulmonary arteries. Breathing exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen in the circulation. As a result, the blood now has a high oxygen content.

• Four pulmonary veins run into the left atrium and return blood to the heart (upper left chamber).

• Blood can flow into the left ventricle through the mitral valve (lower left chamber).

• The aortic valve allows the left ventricle to flow blood into the “aorta,” a major artery. This artery is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.

The Heart’s Significance

The heart circulates blood through closed veins to all body tissues. The blood then transports nutrients and oxygen to all of the body’s cells. Without blood, cells and tissues would not have been able to function to their full potential, causing them to malfunction or die.

What is the Cardiac Cycle, and How Does it Work?

There are two phases to the cardiac cycle.

• The first phase, diastole, occurs when the ventricles fill with blood. It starts with the aortic or pulmonary valves closing and finishes with the mitral or tricuspid valves closing. When diastole, blood vessels return blood to the heart in preparation for the next ventricular contraction.

• During the second phase, systole, the ventricles contract or discharge blood. It begins with the mitral and tricuspid valves closing and ends with the aortic or pulmonary valves closing. Blood is driven from the ventricles to the vessels when the pressure inside the ventricles exceeds the pressure inside neighbouring blood arteries.

The Effects of Ageing on the Cardiovascular System

As a person becomes older, their heart starts to function less efficiently. For instance, it can’t beat as rapidly during physical exercise, even while the resting heart rate remains constant. Arrhythmias can occur as the heart becomes older.

More stiffness in the major arteries and stiffness of the heart muscle are two other frequent ageing conditions. High blood pressure may result from this rigidity, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Congestive heart failure could also be caused by cardiac stiffness.

Common Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular disease is a severe condition that can be fatal. People who better understand the disorders that can damage the cardiovascular system are more likely to seek appropriate and prompt medical treatment.

The following are brief descriptions of some prevalent cardiovascular illnesses.

Heart attack

A heart attack happens whenever a part of the heart muscle doesn’t really receive enough blood. It can happen due to a blockage, a tear in a coronary artery, or if the heart needs more oxygen than is supplied.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical condition in which a portion of the brain’s blood supply is cut off. Brain cells die as a result of the absence of blood flow. Strokes can be divided into two categories. A blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke. Bleeding in or near the brain can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.

Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump adequate blood to meet the body’s demands.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. It can show up as a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or even has a unique pattern.

Conclusion

The cardiovascular system comprises the heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries. These components make up two circulatory systems: the systemic and pulmonary circulatory systems. Systole (relaxation) and diastole (contractions) are the two phases of the heart cycle (contractions). The heart is affected by various illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia. As we age, our hearts become less effective, particularly