Strokes

Most common circulatory system illness in our country is stroke. Strokes

often occur when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain and reduces the
blood supply. They also can happen when a blood vessel in the brain breaks
open. Both events keep blood and oxygen from reaching the brain. As a
result, parts of the brain are likely to be damaged. A stroke requires
immediate medical attention.

Heart failure
Sometimes called congestive heart failure, heart failure occurs when the heart
muscle is weakened or damaged. It can no longer pump the volume of blood
needed through the body. Heart failure normally occurs when you’ve had
other heart problems, such as a heart attack or coronary artery disease.

Early symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, swelling in your ankles, and
increased need to urinate at night. More severe symptoms include rapid
breathing, chest pain, and fainting.

Abdominal aortic aneurisms

An abdominal aortic aneurism is a bulge in a weakened part of the aorta. The
aorta is the largest blood vessel in your body. It carries blood from your heart
to your abdomen, legs, and pelvis. If the aorta ruptures, it can cause heavy
bleeding that’s life-threatening.
An abdominal aortic aneurism can stay small and never cause problems, in
which case your doctor may take a “wait and watch” approach. When it
becomes larger, you may experience pain in the abdomen or back. Large and
rapidly growing abdominal aortic aneurisms are at greatest risk of rupturing.
These require immediate attention.

Heart attacks
A heart attack occurs when not enough blood reaches your heart. This can
happen due to artery blockage. Heart attacks damage the heart muscle and
are medical emergencies.

See your doctor or have someone else call if you have symptoms such as:

 pain in the center or left side of the chest that feels like mild or severe
discomfort, pressure, fullness, or squeezing
 pain that radiates from the jaw, shoulder, arm, or across the back
 shortness of breath
 sweating
 nausea
 irregular heartbeat
 unconsciousness

Women often experience heart attacks a little differently, with pressure or

aching in their back and chest.
Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is atherosclerosis that occurs in the
extremities, usually in your legs. It reduces blood flow to your legs, as well as
to your heart and brain. If you have PAD, you’re at greater risk of developing
other circulatory system diseases.

Many people have no symptoms with PAD. But if you do, symptoms may
include:

 pain or cramping in the legs, especially when walking

 coolness in legs or feet
 sores that don’t heal on the feet or legs
 redness or other changes in skin color

What increases your risk of

circulatory system diseases?
Certain factors can increase your risk for circulatory system diseases.

Modifiable risk factors

Modifiable risk factors are factors that can be controlled, changed, or treated
with lifestyle changes. These risk factors include:

 lack of exercise
 being overweight
  smoking
 overuse of alcohol
 high levels of stress
 poor diet

Managing certain conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can
also affect your risk.

Nonmodifiable risk factors

Risk factors that can’t be controlled, treated, or modified include:

 advanced age
 maleness
 family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or high
cholesterol
 certain ethnicities

Men have a greater risk than premenopausal women for stroke. Also, some
ethnicities have a higher risk for certain diseases than others.

Tips for circulatory health

 Maintain a healthy weight.
 Don’t smoke.
 Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.
 Maintain a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with more fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains.
 Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, which are often found in processed
foods and fast food.
 Limit salt and alcohol intake.
 Use relaxation and self-care to reduce stress.