Heart, Blood, Circulation

Chilblains are also referred to as pernio or perniosis. They are small, itchy, painful
swellings that generally appear on the skin after several hours of exposure to cold temperatures. Thus, they tend to develop during the winter months.
They are more likely to occur on the extremities such as the toes, fingers, nose and earlobes, which are the first areas to become cold. Other areas of the skin such as the heels, thighs and lower legs can also be affected in extreme temperatures.

Every year millions of people develop chest pain, ranging from the common cold, flu, coughs, allergies to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma and emphysema. Chest pain affects the lungs, either in the smaller air sacs or larger
airways. The airways become swollen and constricted by a build-up of pus and mucus, and this causes breathing difficulties as well as a tight chest. It affects people of all ages, but young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and smokers are mostly at risk. Babies and young children tend to be prone to croup and chest infections, and it is estimated that they will develop at six to eight colds or other respiratory problems a year.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that either causes a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in its structure. While there are different types of cardiomyopathy, they all affect the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body and can thus have serious consequences.

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels (about 10 micrometers in diameter) that form part of the circulatory system. These tiny structures are located within the tissues of the body and transfer blood from the arteries, through the tissues,
and back to the veins. Capillary blood vessel walls are thin and narrow, and the red blood cells can only travel through them in a single file. Substances such as oxygen, carbon dioxide,
nutrients and wastes are passed through the walls of the capillaries. This makes the capillaries the main area of exchange between the fluid (called lymph) bathing the body tissues and the blood.

The term ‘blood thinners’ refers to a group of allopathic medications known as anticoagulants. They are used to prevent the cells in the blood from clotting too readily and forming blood clots within the vessels. Although they are referred to as blood thinners, they do not actually thin the blood. They work by decreasing the blood’s ability to clot so that blood vessels remain unblocked.

The term �blood thinners refers to a group of allopathic medications known as anticoagulants. They are used to prevent the cells in the blood from clotting too readily and forming blood clots within the vessels.

While the body has ingenious ways of purifying the blood, it sometimes helps to
give these systems a little helping hand. The liver, kidneys and lymphatic system
work tirelessly to cleanse the blood of unwanted toxins and impurities.
However, sometimes the work load is just too much and these toxins begin to build up in our muscle tissue and blood.

Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts on the veins and arteries while it circulates through the body. We express the measurement of blood pressure as a ratio, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first number is the pressure
exerted when blood is pumped into the arteries as the heart muscle contracts
(systolic pressure). The second number is the pressure exerted on the arteries while the heart muscle relaxes (diastolic pressure).

Blood clots consist of blood cells and fibrin strands that form to stop the flow of
blood after an injury. Blood clots are vital for wound healing. If blood was not able to clot, death would occur from excessive bleeding from a simple cut.
However, in certain conditions, the inappropriate formation of blood clots in vessels or organs of the body can occur, leading to a potentially extremely dangerous situation. When blood clots form within arteries and veins, they
obstruct the flow of blood, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Blood clots
formed after surgery or due to a traumatic injury may also be life-threatening.

Arteriosclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the arteries. This disease occurs when plaque (which is made up of cholesterol, fibrin, platelets and other substances) forms on the walls of the arteries and obstructs the normal flow and circulation of blood. The arteries become narrowed and the walls lose their elasticity, causing blood flow to be reduced.

Arrhythmias are fairly common. Most people have had at least one experience where it feels as if the heart has skipped a beat, or has given an unexpected flutter. For many, the experience is usually not cause for concern. However, while many arrhythmias are harmless, some can be extremely dangerous and require medical treatment.

Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or the feeling of pressure in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood and oxygen supply. When the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, the blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed and chest pain results.

Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or the feeling of pressure in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen. When the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart are blocked, the blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed and chest pain Results.

Anemia is a condition which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body. If you have anemia, less oxygen is delivered to the body and as a result your organs and tissues cannot function at optimal level. Very often you will feel tired, fatigued, have low energy levels and a weak immune system.

Many of you are know that heart attacks are the number one killer in both men and women in the U.S; but did you know that many fatalities can be prevented if you learn to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and get medical attention fast? Also, did you know that women experience different symptoms than men?