Even though the heart works harder, blockages still shortchange the needed blood supply to all areas of the body. Kidney disorders, which leave extra fluids, sodium, and toxins in the body, obesity, diabetes, birth control pills, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol, stress, and thyroid and adrenal gland problems can also cause and exacerbate a high blood pressure condition. Proper ranges of cholesterol are also important in the prevention of heart attack or stroke. Total blood cholesterol above 200 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol above 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol below 35 mg/dl; and lipoprotein (a) level greater than 30 mg/dl are indicators of problematic cholesterol. Cholesterol is not actually a damage mechanism but is more an indicator of compromised liver function, and increased risk of heart attack.

Damage to the heart tissues from cardiovascular disease or from heart surgery will disrupt the natural electrical impulses of the heart and result in cardiac arrhythmia. Sudden fluctuations in heart rate can cause noticeable palpitations, with an associated faintness, or dizziness, and if severely abnormal could interfere with blood flow and even initiate a heart attack.

Infection of the heart, carditis and endocarditis, is an additional complication that can occur as a result of a weak immune system, liver problems, heart surgery, or from an autoimmune disorder like rheumatic fever. Endocarditis is quite common in persons with compromised immune systems from...

If not appropriately handled, permanent heart muscle damage can occur from the infection.
Strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease include exercise, smoking cessation, and limited use of alcohol and diet modification. Regular exercise increases the strength of the heart with a concomitant increase in stroke volume. The risk of developing heart disease is about half in regular exercisers compared to sedentary individuals. Exercise can also help reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Smoking cessation not only reduces the risk of developing heart disease, but also the risk of many other serious illnesses, like cancer and emphysema. Within 5 years of quitting smoking, the risk of developing heart disease is the same as for someone who has never smoked. Heavy alcohol drinkers are more likely to die of heart disease than those who do not drink. Recommended safe limits for men are no more than three units of alcohol per day, and for women, no more than two units per day. Furthermore, healthy eating can also help prevent heart disease. No single food can provide all the nutrition a person needs, so intake of a variety of foods every day is recommended from the four food groups.

Overall, the cardiovascular system is responsible for maintenance of circulation to the body. While diseases of this system are common, most of the risk factors are related to lifestyle habits and, thus, are modifiable.

Anatomy and Physiology