Common Blood, Heart & Vascular Conditions: Causes and Symptoms

Blood Conditions

Anemia (Anaemia)

Description: Transport of oxygen to the cells is reduced.

Causes:

• Lack of red cells and haemoglobin (normally due to the lack of iron)

Symptoms:

• Fatigue

Leukaemia

Description: Overgrowth of the precursors of leukocytes.

Causes:

• DNA mutation which makes cells multiply without control (genetic and environmental causes)

Symptoms:

• Reduction of blood cells and platelets

Haemophilia

Description: Impaired blood clotting.

Causes:

• Hereditary illness: DNA mutation causing the absence of a clotting factor

Symptoms:

• Continuous haemorrhages

Heart Conditions

Arrhythmias

Description: Abnormal rhythm of the heart.

Types:

• Tachycardia (higher than normal)
• Bradycardia (lower than normal)

Causes:

• Different problems in the anatomy or myocardium of the heart

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Description: Blockage of coronary arteries by a clot.

Causes:

• Genetic and environmental factors (bad diet: high cholesterol and fats)

Symptoms:

• Chest pain which may radiate to the left arm

Angina

Description: Narrowing of the coronary arteries that can lead to a heart attack if it is not treated.

Vascular Conditions

Varicose Veins

Description: Damage to venous valves that leads to accumulation of blood in the veins.

Causes:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Standing for many hours
• Genetic factors

Symptoms:

• Pain and a heavy feeling in your legs

Thrombosis

Description: A clot in the vessels.

Causes:

• Problems in blood clotting
• Surgery
• Sedentary life
• Obesity

Symptoms:

• Pain in the affected area

Stroke

Description: A haemorrhage or a clot in a vessel of the brain; either one provokes the death of neurons.

Causes:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking

Symptoms:

• Paralysis
• Trouble speaking
• Impaired movements
• Vision problems

Hypertension

Description: Higher blood pressure than 140 systolic / 90 diastolic.

Causes:

• Genetic factors and environmental factors such as a poor diet (rich in fats, cholesterol, alcohol)

Complications:

• Hypertension can cause serious problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease

Atherosclerosis

Description: Narrowing and hardening of arteries which can lead to clots in the artery.

Causes:

• Deposits of fats in the internal wall of the artery; this makes platelets stick to the wall and form clots

Risk factors:

• Having a diet rich in cholesterol and fats

Symptoms:

• Pain in the blocked artery
• Fatigue