Diseases of the circulatory system (cardiovascular) are the most common cause of death in Poland. Despite better diagnostics and more and more modern methods of treatment, 200,000 people die every year in Poland due to cardiovascular diseases. The reason is, among others stress, little exercise, poor diet. Check what are the most common cardiovascular diseases and what are the other risk factors for their development and how to prevent them.
Cardiovascular diseases , or cardiovascular diseases, are the most common cause of death in Poland. The Central Statistical Office reports that they are responsible for 46 percent. of all deaths, but in the 1990s it was over 50 percent. In this respect, we are on a similar level to other European countries. In our country, however, the problem is high morbidity - by 50 percent. bigger than in the West.
Cardiovascular diseases - causes and risk factors
Diseases of the heart and vessels are caused by so-called risk factors. People who suffer from several such factors simultaneously are particularly exposed to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Despite better and better diagnostics and more and more modern methods of treatment, 200,000 people die every year in Poland due to cardiovascular diseases. The reason is, among others stress, little exercise, poor diet, overweight, etc.
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- little physical activity
- overweight and obesity
- impaired glucose tolerance
- psychological factors (excessive stress, depression)
- irrational eating
- advanced age
- male gender
- family burden of heart disease
Diseases of the circulatory system - symptoms and types
- Hypertension
Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure above the normal range. Its symptoms are frequent headaches, especially after waking up, spots in front of the eyes, insomnia, explosiveness, palpitations, sweating, tinnitus, shortness of breath, dizziness, constant fatigue. - Hypertension, requiring intervention, or at least medical advice, affects 50% of Polish society. Or maybe even the majority, because over 60 percent. Polish society, most of which require pharmacological intervention - enumerates inan interview with the news agency Newseria Lifestyle Dr. Jerzy Adamus.
- Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to function properly - to pump enough blood to provide the body with adequate oxygen and nutrients. The main symptoms of heart failure are shortness of breath and fatigue, exercise intolerance, and edema following water retention in the body, located behind the breastbone.
Of all cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease (stroke) cause the most deaths.
- Coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease)
Coronary artery disease is caused by insufficient supply of arterial blood to the heart by the coronary vessels. The most characteristic symptom of the disease is chest pain, which causes a feeling of pressure, crushing in the chest, is located behind the breastbone and occurs during stress, eating or under the influence of cold air, and also during exercise. Sometimes nausea and respiratory disorders appear.
- Heart attack
A heart attack is the result of a sudden onset of necrosis in a part of the heart muscle, which is caused by the interruption of blood supply to that part of the heart for a long enough time. Myocardial infarction occurs most often in people over 40, more often in men than in women, especially in obese and hypertensive people. A typical symptom is severe pain behind the breastbone.
- Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases
A stroke is a sudden local disorder of blood circulation in the brain. There are two types of stroke - ischemic (cerebral infarction) or haemorrhagic (cerebral haemorrhage). Characteristic symptoms of a stroke are paresis of the limbs, arm or leg, or both upper and lower limbs, most often on the same side. A symptom of a stroke is also the asymmetry of the lower part of the face in the area of the mouth.
- Heart arrhythmias
Arrhythmia, or arrhythmias, is a disturbance of the correct heart rate and / or regularity. The rate of contractions may slow down (bradycardia) or speed up (tachycardia). A special form of tachycardia is atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation.
- Heart defects
Heart defects are anatomical deformations of the heart, leading to abnormal blood flow through the heart, overload of its individual parts and the development of circulatory failure. A distinction is made between congenital heart defects (mainly developmental disorders) and acquired heart defects.
We recommendCardiovascular disease is preventable. It is enough to modify some risk factors, e.g. control the level of cholesterol, sugar and body weight. It's also a good idea to quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
Author: Time S.A
Remember that a properly selected diet will help lower blood pressure. Take advantage of JeszCoLubisz - the innovative dietary system of the He alth Guide and enjoy an individually selected plan and constant care of a dietitian. Take care of your he alth and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Find out more- Varicose veins
Varicose veins are permanent extensions of the veins in the form of serpentine cords, plexuses or puffs, often with a balloon-like protrusion. With veins, blood moves much slower, because it flows as if uphill. Since he has to overcome the forces of gravity, he needs support. The muscles of the feet and calves come to the rescue. As we walk, the muscles contract and compress the veins rhythmically, helping the blood to move upward. If we have weak muscles, we don't move much, our valves are damaged, our blood begins to regress. Its pressure rises and the pressure on the walls of the veins becomes tighter. These expand and lose their elasticity. They cannot return to their original shape. This is how varicose veins are formed - incorrect widening of the veins.
- Rheumatic heart disease
Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation not only of the joints, but also of the heart. Hence, in medical jargon there is a phrase that "rheumatic fever licks the joints and bites the heart". Symptoms of heart inflammation are shortness of breath (initially only after exercise), chest pain - located behind the breastbone, radiating to the neck, left shoulder and back. Usually it intensifies, among others when coughing and lying on your back. It is a relief to sit and lean forward. Other symptoms are palpitations, tachycardia (the heart rate increases over 100 beats per minute), fatigue, weakness, swelling of the ankles and lower legs.
- Cardiopulmonary syndrome and pulmonary circulatory diseases
Pulmonary-cardiac syndrome (or pulmonary heart) is a change in the cardiovascular system, secondary to chronic hypertension in the pulmonary artery during long-term respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis). Symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, general weakness, fainting, cold hands and feet, cyanosis of the skin - this can involve distal parts of the limbs (from the knees down and from the elbows down), the ear lobes, nose and lips, but the easiest and most reliable way is find out by looking at the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue, fingers shaped like drummer's sticks.
- Raynaud's syndrome
This is a vasomotor disorder in the course of which Raynaud's phenomenon occurs, in which, under the influence of cold or emotions, the blood vessels contract excessively, and consequently the fingers or toes, less often the nose and the ears become pale. . In Raynaud's syndrome, this symptom appears in the course of a specific disease - the one that leads to a reduction in blood flow through the arteries of the fingers. The most common are atherosclerosis and connective tissue diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease).
- Raynaud's disease
Like Raynaud's syndrome, it is a vasomotor disorder in the course of which Raynaud's phenomenon occurs. However, in this case, Raynaud's phenomenon appears for no reason (i.e., it is a disease in itself).
- Lymphedema
Lymphoedema occurs as a result of blockage of the lymphatic vessels and regular lymph flow. Edema can occur as a result of abnormalities in the structure of the lymphatic vessels themselves, as a result of inflammation, trauma, and even cancer. It also happens when the lymph enters the subcutaneous tissues. A troublesome symptom of lymphedema is significant swelling of the legs and arms. Sometimes it is so large that the patient cannot move them. Lymphatic pressure vessels impede the free flow of blood, which causes painful muscle spasms.
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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