About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the Term 'Peripheral Heart'
Introduction
The term 'peripheral heart' is not a standard medical term. However, it is often used to describe the role of the venous system and the muscular pump effect of skeletal muscles, particularly in the legs, in aiding blood circulation back to the heart.
How Does It Work?
- Skeletal Muscle Pump : The muscles in your legs, especially the calf muscles, help push blood back to the heart when they contract.
- Venous Valves : These prevent blood from flowing backward and ensure it moves in the right direction.
- Respiratory Pump : Breathing creates pressure changes that help draw blood toward the heart.
Clinical Importance
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) : If the 'peripheral heart' (muscle pump) is weak or valves are damaged, blood may pool in the legs, leading to varicose veins or swelling.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) : Poor circulation can lead to blood clot formation, which can be life-threatening if it travels to the lungs.
- Heart Failure : Patients with heart failure often experience poor venous return, which can worsen leg swelling and fatigue.
Prevention and Management
- Exercise : Walking, cycling, and stretching strengthen the muscle pump.
- Compression Therapy : Wearing compression stockings can help improve venous return.
- Elevation : Raising the legs when resting can reduce swelling.
- Medical Treatments : In severe cases, medications or surgical options may be needed.
Conclusion
The 'peripheral heart' plays a crucial role in circulation. Keeping your muscles strong and your veins healthy can significantly improve overall cardiovascular health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Venous Thromboembolism
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/prevention-and-treatment-of-venous-thromboembolism-vte
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000456
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000769
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous-thromboembolism-vte
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Peripheral Artery Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Peripheral-Arterial-and-Aortic-Diseases
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3538/7738955
- https://www.ejves.com/article/S1078-5884(23)00741-4/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/9/763/4095038
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886620/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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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.
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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.