Cardio-vascular disorders

Cardiovascular disorders are conditions of the heart and blood vessels including various heart, stroke and vascular diseases.

There can be a number of precipitating factors that result in cardiovascular disease, however the main underlying factor is atherosclerosis or the gradual build up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. When these vessels become ‘clogged’ and narrowed the supply of blood flow to the brain, heart and other vital organs is affected.

Symptoms and characteristics:

Typical symptoms of cardiovascular disorders include:

• chest pain
• cyanosis or a bluish discolouration of the fingertips
• swelling or puffiness in the lower legs and feet
• dyspnea which is a shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• palpitations which is an irregular, fluttering or skipping heartbeat
• decreased endurance and easily fatigued
• syncope which includes fainting, dizziness or a brief loss of consciousness.

Links to specific types of cardiovascular disorders:

• Chronic pulmonary heart disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Haemophilia
• High blood pressure
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Stroke
• Thalassemia

(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2004; MDA Internet 2005; Heart Foundation 2009)

References:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2004, Heart, stroke and vascular diseases, Australian facts 2004, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, viewed 21 January 2009, http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/cvd/hsvd04/hsvd04-c02.pdf

Heart Foundation 2009, Heart Conditions, Heart Foundation, Canberra, viewed 21 January 2009, http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart_Information/Heart_Conditions/Pages/default.aspx

MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 30 May 2007, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)

Links to specific types of cardio-vascular disorders