Disorders of the blood vessels

• Atherosclerosis


  A disease where plaque consisting of cholesterol and other substances are built up in the arteries
• Stroke


  A sudden loss of the brain function when blood supply in the brain is cut off
• Blood supply is cut off

  Due to the blockage of the arteries in the brain or in neck vessels
• Coronary heart disease


  Characterized by the inability of the blood to reach the coronary arteries of the heart
• Atherosclerosis or aging


  May cause the thickening of the arteries resulting in a low volume of blood flow
• Reduced blood flow

  May cause pain in the chest, left arm and damage cardiac tissue
• Coronary heart disease


  May also cause heart attacks when cardiac muscle dies
• Hypertensive heart disease


  Characterized by chest pain, a pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue and pain in the neck due to the thickening and enlargement of heart to force the blood flow through the tightened arterioles
• Heart cannot pump enough blood

  Heart beats abnormally, heart doesn't get enough oxygen, blood flow is interrupted
• Rheumatic heart disease


  A condition in which the heart, specifically the valves are damaged by rheumatic fever caused by Streptococcus pyogenas
• Rheumatic heart disease is common to children
• Symptoms of rheumatic fever

  • Fever
  • Joint swelling
  • Stomach pain
  • Rashes
• Treatments for rheumatic heart disease

  • Antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever
  • Surgery to repair/replace the damaged valves