Understanding Major Health Conditions: Causes & Treatments

Cardiovascular Diseases

These conditions primarily affect the heart and blood vessels. They are a leading cause of death in developed countries. Risk factors can be categorized as modifiable (e.g., lifestyle) and non-modifiable (e.g., genetics).

Cerebrovascular Accidents (Stroke)

A stroke occurs when the brain suddenly stops receiving blood. These events can sometimes be fatal, while other times, the resulting injuries may be reversible, leading to partial or total recovery requiring rehabilitation.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

This occurs when there is an obstruction of the coronary arteries, causing the heart muscle to stop receiving oxygen and subsequently die. The consequences of a heart attack can vary significantly.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is characterized by the thickening and hardening of artery walls. It is typically caused by aging and the accumulation of cholesterol plaques within the arterial wall.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension develops when the pressure exerted by blood on the artery walls exceeds established healthy limits. This condition involves both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders encompass a group of conditions with diverse origins that alter an individual's cognitive and affective processes.

Psychosis

Often colloquially known as "mind madness," psychosis can involve symptoms such as visual hallucinations. It includes conditions like schizophrenia, organic disorders (e.g., those induced by drug and alcohol use), bipolar disorders, and other affective disorders such as depressions.

Neurosis

Neurosis primarily refers to anxiety disorders.

Degenerative Diseases

Degenerative lesions occur in organs and tissues, progressively impairing their normal functioning.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a progressive, terminal disease that usually affects individuals over 65 years of age. It is characterized by memory loss and changes in behavior, eventually leading to complete dependency.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease affects neurons responsible for controlling and coordinating movement. Patients often experience tremors and stiffness. While there is no curative treatment, palliative care is available to manage symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of certain joints, commonly the hip and knee, and is primarily associated with aging.

Multiple Sclerosis

This disease can develop in young people and affects the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic fatigue and widespread pain. Research is ongoing to fully understand its causes and mechanisms.

Cancer

Cancer results from the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, believed to involve several contributing factors.

Cellular Mechanism and Tumor Formation

During cell division, cells duplicate their DNA. If changes occur compared to the original DNA, the P53 protein is activated, which slows cell division, allowing time for the damaged DNA to be repaired. If the gene does not trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death), it prevents the proliferation of cells with normal DNA. However, sometimes these abnormal cells remain alive, reproduce rapidly and uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor.

Cancer Treatments

• Surgery: Surgical removal of tumors is highly effective for localized cancers.
• Radiotherapy: This treatment targets and destroys rapidly dividing cells.
• Chemotherapy: Antimitotic chemotherapy agents are administered to inhibit cell division.