Definition
A circulatory disorder of the heart is an obstruction of the blood flow through the corresponding blood vessels. The blood flow can be restricted or completely interrupted. The circulatory disorder can be acute or chronic and can affect any part of the body.
Circulatory disorders are particularly common in the heart, brain or arms and legs. They usually have serious consequences, because the blood is a means of transport for many important substances, such as oxygen, with which the organs must be supplied at all times. The brain has the shortest tolerance time for doing without oxygen, but the heart continues to function for several hours without oxygen.
The consequences of the disease vary from organ to organ and depend on the duration of the circulatory disorder. A circulatory disorder of the heart is often called coronary heart disease. In this case, the blood supply to the heart muscle is not guaranteed due to a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, also known as coronary arteries.
Symptoms
The circulatory disorder affecting the heart is usually manifested by chest pain. These occur mainly suddenly or they start mildly and then quickly become very strong. In many patients the pain also radiates into the left arm.
In addition, the reduced blood supply can lead to shortness of breath and severe exhaustion. In most cases, a patient becomes symptomatic during physical exertion, such as sports or other physical activity. Fluid accumulation in the legs can also indicate a reduced pumping capacity through the heart, which can be caused by a circulatory disorder. It is important to note that the symptoms can vary between men and women and even very unspecific symptoms do not rule out a circulatory disorder of the heart.
Indications
An advanced form of arteriosclerosis as well as increased cholesterol levels in the blood can be the first signs that indicate a subsequent circulatory disorder. In addition, hereditary vascular diseases or occlusive diseases in peripheral arteries and veins are associated with an increased risk of circulatory disorders of the heart. In general, changes in the skin, such as extreme paleness or bluish discoloration, severe cold sensation in fingers and toes, frequent numbness or cramps should be observed and assessed by a physician. Other signs of circulatory disorders of the heart include chest pain and a feeling of tightness when breathing, which occurs in relation to exertion.
