Cardiovascular Health Explained :What Everyone Needs to Know About Heart and Circulation

Your cardiovascular system is all about the heart and circulation that transports nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to all your body parts and carries deoxygenated blood back to your lungs. Therefore, it’s exponentially important in driving your body. And any injury or abnormality to any part of your cardiovascular system can lead to severe health conditions.  

To better understand cardiovascular health, let’s figure out what heart and blood circulation are. Also, this article outlines some common cardiovascular health problems, their symptoms, and tips to maintain your cardiovascular health. 

Heart and Blood Circulation: Driving the Cardiovascular System and Body 

The heart is the most important component of your cardiovascular system as the fist-sized, muscular organ works to move blood throughout your body in a coordinated way. Containing four muscular chambers, a septum, and valves, your heart continuously sends nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to your body parts and cells. Moreover, it takes away carbon dioxide and waste from your body.  

Furthermore, blood circulates in the entire body via systemic and pulmonary circulatory systems. The systemic circulatory system transports blood to your organs, cells, and tissues. And the pulmonary circulatory system transports blood to and from the heart and lungs.  

How Does Blood Circulate Through Your Heart? 

Read on to learn about the blood circulation in heart – the path followed by blood through your heart: 

1. Blood lacking oxygen enters the heart through the right atrium (upper right chamber) via inferior and superior vena cava veins from your body. 
2. This blood flows via the tricuspid valve to enter the right ventricle (the heart’s lower right chamber). 
3. The right ventricle moves blood through the pulmonary valve and out of your heart through the main pulmonary artery. 
4. The blood then flows into your lungs via the left and right pulmonary arteries. During this step, the breathing process pumps oxygen into the blood and removes CO2 from your body. 
5. The oxygen-rich blood enters the left ventricle (the heart’s lower left chamber) through the mitral valve. 
6. The left ventricle further pumps oxygen-rich blood into a large artery (aorta) through the aortic valve. Finally, the aorta transports blood to all parts of your body. 

What are Cardiovascular Problems and their Symptoms? 

Any injury or abnormality to the cardiovascular system can cause the following severe and potentially life-threatening health problems: 

• Heart attack 
• Heart failure 
• Stroke 
• Arrhythmia  
• Peripheral arterial disease 
• Aortic disease 
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 
• Valve disease 

You might wonder how to determine whether you are experiencing any of these cardiovascular health issues. Being aware of the cardiovascular problems symptoms can help identify your cardiovascular disease and undergo the appropriate treatment on time: 

Common symptoms of heart problems 

• Chest pain 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Shortness of breath 
• Exhaustion or fatigue 
• Chest pressure, discomfort, or heaviness 

Common Symptoms of Blockages in Blood Vessels 

• Swelling in your legs 
• Pain or cramps in legs when walking 
• Cool or red skin on legs 
• Numbness in your limb or face 
• Finding it difficult to see, talk, or walk 
• Leg sores that aren’t healing 

You should know these symptoms can vary depending on the disease’s cause, gender, age, and body type. 

How Can You Maintain Your Cardiovascular Health?  

After identifying your cardiovascular problems symptoms, your job is to prevent your cardiovascular health problem from worsening. Follow these impeccable tips to protect and maintain the health of your cardiovascular system: 

Have a heart-healthy diet 

Having a heart-healthy diet is the best thing you can do for your body and cardiovascular system’s health. This specific diet can include a combination of different foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  

Additionally, increasing the omega-3 fatty acids intake by consuming fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna can improve blood flow, leading to excellent heart health. Avoid consuming salty meats, sweetened snacks and sodas, and processed, canned, and fast foods.  

Exercise regularly for at least 2.5 hours a week 

Physical activity for at least 2.5 hours a week can contribute to improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other blood lipid levels and weight control. Individuals should perform moderate cardiovascular exercises such as running, brisk walking, biking, dancing, climbing stairs, or swimming throughout the week.  

Avoid using alcohol 

Consumption of alcohol has been associated with over 200 diseases and injury conditions, including cardiovascular health problems.  

Many people believe that binge drinking or having alcohol in small quantities doesn’t have any major effect on their health. However, there is no safe level when it comes to drinking alcohol. So, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol for a well-functioning heart. 

Have green tea 

Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help increase the width of your blood vessels, allowing your body to pump blood more efficiently. And improved blood circulation is key to a healthy cardiovascular system. 

Quit smoking 

Smoking can damage blood vessel walls, inhibit blood flow, and cause plaque to accumulate in the veins, leading to various cardiovascular health problems. Therefore, the sooner you quit smoking, the higher the chances for improved cardiovascular health.  

Test your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly 

Another helpful way you can’t overlook to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system is getting your blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked regularly. Some people don’t show the signs or symptoms of high or low blood pressure and blood sugar even if having abnormal levels, and it can hurt their heart health.  

Regular testing can help determine abnormalities in your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and appropriate medications or lifestyle changes to get your cardiovascular health back on track.  

All-in-All 

The heart and circulation are your body's powerhouse, constantly providing oxygen and vital nutrients to all body parts. If damage occurs to a person’s heart or circulatory system due to any illness or other factors, the cardiovascular function might diminish and lead to fatal cardiovascular problems. 

Regularly testing for heart health is your optimal solution to prevent cardiovascular health issues. So, book a cardiac health checkup with Pathkind to maintain cardiovascular health.