Circulatory Diseases – Treatment and prevention

Heart attack

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the technical term for a heart attack. A heart
attack can occur when the blood supply is cut off from the heart, often by a
blood clot. Some heart attacks are minor, but others can be life-threatening.

A blood clot is a gel-like mass of blood that can form inside a blood vessel
and may block blood flow, potentially causing health problems.

Symptoms
Symptoms of a heart attack vary. Some people have mild symptoms.
Others have severe symptoms. Some people have no symptoms.

Common heart attack symptoms include:

 Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or
aching
 Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw,
teeth or sometimes the upper belly

Prevention:
 Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise.
 Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
 Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
 Manage stress and have regular check-ups.

Treatment:
 In case of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
 Chew an aspirin if advised by a healthcare provider.
 Medical treatments include clot-busting drugs, angioplasty, stents,
or bypass surgery.
 Follow prescribed medications and make lasting lifestyle changes.
Stroke
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks
blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can
cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

Symptoms
 Face: Look for facial drooping. Ask the person to smile, and if one
side of the smile is uneven or drooping, it might be a stroke.
 Arms: Check for arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms,
and if one arm drifts downward or is weaker, it could be a sign of a
stroke.
 Speech: Listen for slurred or garbled speech. Ask the person to
repeat a simple sentence, and if they can't, it may be a stroke.
Other symptoms may include a severe headache, vision problems, trouble
walking, numbness or weakness, confusion, or trouble understanding.
Don't wait; seek help right away if you suspect a stroke.

Prevention
 Control Blood Pressure: Keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
 Healthy Diet and Exercise: Eat well and stay active to maintain a
healthy weight.
 5Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation or avoid excessive alcohol.
 Manage Stress: Use stress-relief techniques to reduce its impact.
 Take Medications: Follow your doctor's prescriptions and advice.
 Treat Heart Issues: Address heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.
 Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a healthy body weight.

 Call 911: Act quickly if you suspect a stroke.

 Clot-Busting Meds: Doctors may use clot-busting medication if
appropriate.
 Endovascular Procedures: Some cases require procedures to
remove clots.
 Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in certain situations.

Prompt action is crucial for stroke treatment, and prevention through a

healthy lifestyle is equally important.
Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that
carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. Aortic aneurysms
can dissect or rupture: The force of blood pumping can split the layers of
the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them.

Aortic aneurysm symptoms can include:

 Pain: Dull or sharp pain in the chest, back, or abdomen.

 Pulsations: Feeling a pulsing sensation in the chest or abdomen.
 Other symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of
breath in some cases.
However, many aortic aneurysms are symptomless until they rupture,
which can be life-threatening. If you experience severe or sudden pain,
seek immediate medical help. Regular monitoring and early detection are
crucial to manage these conditions.

Prevention:
 Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
 Quit smoking.
 Maintain a healthy weight.
 Control diabetes.
 Regular exercise.
 Limit alcohol intake.
 Manage stress.
 Genetic risk assessment for family history.

Treatment:
 Surgery or endovascular repair for large aneurysms.
 Medication to lower blood pressure and reduce rupture risk.
 Regular monitoring through imaging.
 Lifestyle changes to lower risk factors.
 Emergency surgery if a rupture occurs.
 Respiratory System Diseases – Prevention and Treatment

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the

lungs. It is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways,
which can lead to recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest
tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary over time.
Common symptoms of asthma include:

 Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

 Coughing, especially at night or early morning
 Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
 Chest tightness or discomfort
Asthma can be triggered or worsened by various factors, including
allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections,
smoke, air pollution, cold air, exercise, and stress.

Preventing Asthma Symptoms and Attacks:

 Avoid Triggers: Identify and reduce exposure to asthma triggers like
allergens, smoke, and pollutants.
 Medication Adherence: Take prescribed medications regularly to
control inflammation and prevent symptoms.
 Vaccinations: Get flu and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent
respiratory infections.
 Regular Check-Ups: Visit your healthcare provider for regular asthma
check-ups and treatment adjustments.
Treating Asthma:
 Medications: Use quick-relief medications for acute symptoms and
long-term controllers for prevention.
 Asthma Action Plan: Develop a personalized plan with your
healthcare provider.
 Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid triggers, quit smoking, control allergies,
and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 Regular Monitoring: Keep track of symptoms and lung function.
 Consistent prevention and treatment strategies can help you manage
asthma effectively and lead a healthier life.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both
lungs. These air sacs, called alveoli, can become filled with pus or other
fluid, making it difficult for the affected person to breathe. Pneumonia can
range in severity from mild to severe and can be caused by various
microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.

Common symptoms of pneumonia may include:

 Cough: Often producing phlegm that may be green, yellow, or bloody.

 Fever: With sweating and chills.
 Difficulty Breathing: Rapid and shallow breathing.
 Chest Pain: Especially when coughing or breathing deeply.
 Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.
 Confusion: Particularly in older adults.
 Headache: Sometimes accompanied by muscle aches.
 Loss of Appetite: Leading to weight loss.

Treatment of Pneumonia:

 Antibiotics or Antivirals: Medications are prescribed based on the cause

(bacterial or viral).
 Rest and Hydration: Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
 Fever and Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications as recommended.
 Hospitalization: If severe, you may need hospital care.

Prevention of Pneumonia:

 Vaccination: Get pneumonia and flu vaccines.

 Good Hygiene: Handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
 Quit Smoking: Smoking increases pneumonia risk.
 Manage Chronic Conditions: Control underlying health issues.
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but serious medical condition
characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which are
the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs to receive
oxygen. This increased pressure makes it more difficult for the heart to
pump blood through the lungs, ultimately leading to strain on the heart and
potentially causing heart failure.

Common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) include:

 Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity or at rest as

the disease progresses.
 Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
 Chest Pain: Occasional discomfort, especially during physical
exertion.
 Rapid Heartbeat: The heart may beat faster than normal in response
to reduced oxygen delivery.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen as PH progresses.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing the condition.

Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension:

 Prevent or manage underlying conditions (e.g., heart or lung

diseases).
 Avoid smoking and exposure to lung irritants.
 Get regular medical check-ups for early detection.

Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension:

 Medications: Prescribed to lower blood pressure in the pulmonary

arteries.
 Oxygen Therapy: Improves oxygen levels in the blood.
 Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, a low-salt diet, and avoiding excessive
physical activity.
 Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, lung or heart-lung
transplantation may be considered.