Continuing with the topic of circulatory diseases, here are some more diseases.
Angina Pectoris- Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood (hence as much oxygen) as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries (coronary blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) is narrowed or blocked. Insufficient blood supply is called ischemia. Typical angina is uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest. The discomfort also may be felt in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arm. Many types of chest discomfort aren't related to angina. Angina often occurs when the heart needs more blood, for example, running to catch a bus could trigger an attack of angina while walking might not. Angina may happen during exercise, strong emotions or extreme temperatures.
Aorta Disease and Marfan syndrome- The aorta is the large artery that leaves the heart and provides oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. These diseases and conditions can cause the aorta to dilate (widen) or dissect (tear), increasing the risk for future life-threatening events. Aorta disease is the tenth leading cause of death in men over 50 in the US. Ruptures account for about 20,000 deaths each year. Two major controllable risk factors are to prevent this problem are smoking and high blood pressure. Non-controllable risk factors include; heredity, male sex, and age. Even in the absence of these factors, however, Aorta disease can occur. The wall of the artery becomes weak and thin, resulting in expansion or ballooning of the vessel. If left untreated, it will continue to expand and has the potential to rupture if not treated. Rupture is often fatal. Many patients experience minor if any symptoms. Back pain or vague abdominal discomfort may occur. Treatment may include repair of the aneurysm, either by conventional open surgery or the newer minimally invasive endovascular therapy.
Cardiomyopathy- Is a disease of the heart muscle itself. People with cardiomyopathies have hearts that are abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart's ability to pump blood is weakened. Without treatment, cardiomyopathies worsen over time and often lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Possible causes of cardiomyopathies are; coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect, potassium deficiency, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, viral infections, and alcoholism.