Cardiovascular Physiology

Introduction

Cardiovascular physiology refers to the study of how the heart and blood vessels function together to circulate blood throughout the body. Understanding this system helps in diagnosing and treating various heart conditions.

Components of the Cardiovascular System

  1. Heart – The muscular organ that pumps blood.
  2. Blood Vessels – Arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood.
  3. Blood – Carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.

How the Heart Works

  • The heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.
  • It pumps blood in a two-circuit system: the systemic circulation, which supplies oxygenated blood to the body, and the pulmonary circulation, which sends blood to the lungs to receive oxygen.
  • The electrical system of the heart regulates contractions through the sinoatrial (SA) node, making sure the heartbeat is coordinated.

Blood Pressure and Circulation

  • Systolic pressure (upper number) – Pressure when the heart contracts.
  • Diastolic pressure (lower number) – Pressure when the heart relaxes.
  • Healthy blood pressure is generally less than 120/80 mmHg.

Heart Rate and Cardiac Output

  • Normal heart rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
  • Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped per minute and depends on heart rate and stroke volume.

Importance of Cardiovascular Health

  • Regular exercise strengthens the heart.
  • A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol is essential.

Conclusion

Understanding cardiovascular physiology is crucial to maintaining heart health and preventing diseases. By making lifestyle changes and seeking regular medical check-ups, you can support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Physiology

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease
  2. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
  3. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
  4. https://atlas.heart.org/
  5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.114.009029

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Function

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22698795/
  3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
  4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
  5. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-Guidelines-on-non-cardiac-surgery-cardiovascular-assessment-and-managem

Our advantages:

patient2376100
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
prescription18648039
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
fvfflf7q
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
1xr4duup
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
arrow
Please register in order to receive information regarding possible complications and new approaches to treatment of cardiovascular diseases via email in our Newsletters.
arrow