Circulatory System

Hypertension

A condition characterised by consistently abnormally elevated blood pressure in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke if left untreated.

Hypotension

A condition characterised by abnormally low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, and other complications.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterised by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Arteriosclerosis

A condition involving the thickening and hardening of arterial walls, which can lead to reduced elasticity and increased blood pressure. It can contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

A condition resulting from the buildup of plaques (narrowed coronary arteries) in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and increased risk of heart attacks.

Angina pectoris

A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, often triggered by physical activity or stress. It can signal underlying coronary artery disease.

Myocardial infarction

commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to heart muscle. It is often a result of coronary artery disease.

Heart failure

A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. It can result from various heart conditions, including coronary artery disease.

Congestive heart failure

A specific type of heart failure where the heart's pumping ability is impaired, causing fluid build-up in the lungs and other body tissues. Symptoms may include swelling, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing.

Arrhythmia

A condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which can result in a range of symptoms from palpitations to serious complications. It may be caused by various factors, including heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects.

Tachycardia

A type of arrhythmia where the heart beats faster than normal, typically over 100 beats per minute. It can occur due to stress, fever, or heart-related conditions.

Bradycardia

A type of arrhythmia characterized by a slower than normal heart rate, generally under 60 beats per minute. It can be caused by issues with the heart's electrical system or as a side effect of certain medications.

Atrial fibrillation

A common type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, leading to poor blood flow and increased risk of stroke.

Ventricular fibrillation

A serious and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance where the heart's lower chambers quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood, often leading to cardiac arrest.

Heart block

A condition where the electrical signals are delayed or blocked as they travel through the heart, which can disrupt the normal rhythm and timing of heartbeats.

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that affects its size, shape, and ability to pump blood effectively. It can lead to heart failure and other complications.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

A type of cardiomyopathy where the heart's chambers enlarge and weaken, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

A condition characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the ventricles, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to heart failure or arrhythmias.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

A form of cardiomyopathy where the heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, preventing the heart from filling properly with blood, which can lead to heart failure.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. It can cause chest pain and interfere with heart function.

Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, typically caused by bacteria, which can lead to severe complications if untreated.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by infection or autoimmune disease, leading to heart dysfunction.

Rheumatic heart disease

A condition resulting from rheumatic fever that causes damage to the heart valves and heart muscle. It often follows untreated strep throat, leading to inflammation and scarring.

Congenital heart disease

A group of heart defects present at birth that affect normal heart structure and function, potentially leading to blood flow issues.

Septal defect

A type of congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the septum, which divides the heart's chambers, leading to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Tetralogy of Fallot

A congenital heart defect that involves four specific structural abnormalities of the heart, resulting in reduced blood flow to the lungs and oxygen-poor blood being pumped to the body.

Valve stenosis

A condition where one or more heart valves become narrowed or obstructed, affecting blood flow through the heart.

Valve regurgitation

A condition in which a heart valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward instead of forward, potentially leading to heart failure and other complications.

Mitral valve prolapse

A condition in which the mitral valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium during contraction, potentially leading to valve regurgitation and heart murmur.

Aortic stenosis

A condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the aorta.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

A common circulatory problem wherein narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs, leading to symptoms like leg pain while walking.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling. It can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges.

Pulmonary embolism

A blockage in a pulmonary artery caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body.

Varicose veins

Enlarged, twisted veins that are often visible under the skin, usually occurring in the legs and caused by weakened valves, leading to blood pooling.

Chronic venous insufficiency

A condition where the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, leading to blood pooling in the lower extremities, which can cause swelling and discomfort.

Raynaud’s disease

a condition characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, often triggered by cold or stress, leading to color changes, pain, and numbness.

Aneurysm

A localized, abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, typically an artery, caused by weakness in the vessel wall, which can lead to rupture or complications.

Aortic aneurysm

an abnormal bulge or dilation in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

Stroke (CVA)

a medical condition where blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in brain cell death and potentially causing long-term neurological damage.

Ischemic stroke

a type of stroke caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain, often due to a blood clot, leading to brain cell death.

Haemorrhagic stroke

a type of stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain, often due to a ruptured blood vessel, leading to increased pressure and potential damage to brain tissue.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke, caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. TIAs are often warning signs for future strokes.

Embolism

the obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign body or a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body.

Thrombosis

the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow and potentially lead to ischemia.

Shock

A critical condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the body's tissues, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Cardiogenic shock

a condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often leading to tissue hypoperfusion and organ failure.

Septic shock

a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs due to a widespread infection causing systemic inflammation, leading to dramatically low blood pressure and organ dysfunction.

Hypovolemic shock

a type of shock resulting from significant blood or fluid loss, causing reduced blood volume, decreased cardiac output, and inadequate tissue perfusion.

Orthostatic hypotension

a form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing up from sitting or lying down, causing dizziness and fainting.

Pulmonary hypertension

a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

Anaemia

a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to fatigue and weakness.

Iron-deficiency anaemia

a common type of anaemia caused by a lack of iron in the body, leading to reduced production of hemoglobin and resulting in fatigue and weakness.

Sickle cell disease

a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen, leading to blockages in blood flow, pain, and increased risk of infections.

Thalassemia

a genetic blood disorder characterized by reduced production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia and various complications.

Hemophilia

a genetic disorder that impairs the blood's ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells.

Polycythaemia

a condition marked by an increased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, which can lead to increased blood viscosity and complications.

Thrombocytopenia

a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of platelets in the blood, which can result in excessive bleeding and difficulty in clotting.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

A serious condition characterized by the abnormal activation of the blood clotting process, leading to the formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels and resulting in organ damage and bleeding complications.

Sepsis

a severe medical condition resulting from the body's extreme response to an infection, leading to systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction.

Bueger’s disease

a rare disease causing blood vessel inflammation and blockage, commonly affecting the limbs, leading to pain and possible tissue death. It is often associated with tobacco use.

Vasculitis

inflammation of blood vessels, which can cause changes in the vessel walls and affect blood flow. It can result from autoimmune diseases, infections, or other conditions.

Temporal arteritis

inflammation of the temporal arteries, often causing headaches, scalp tenderness, and vision problems. It is a type of vasculitis that primarily affects older adults.

Kawasaki disease

A condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels, predominantly affecting children. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Marfan syndrome

a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, leading to features such as tall stature, long limbs, and cardiovascular issues.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by skin hyperelasticity, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility.

Coarctation of the aorta

A congenital condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta, often leading to hypertension and complications affecting the heart and other organs.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

a heart defect in which the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Blood poisoning

a serious condition caused by the presence of bacteria or their toxins in the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.

Hyperlipidaemia

A condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the bloodstream, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

High cholesterol

a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids, particularly cholesterol, in the blood, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Low HDL

a condition characterized by low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiac tamponade

A medical condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity, restricting heart function.

Pulseless electrical activity

a clinical condition where the heart's electrical activity is present but there is no effective mechanical heart function or pulse.

Sudden cardiac arrest

a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to a lack of blood flow to the body. It can be caused by various factors, including arrhythmias and myocardial infarction.

Heart murmur

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow due to defective heart valves or other structural heart conditions.

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

a disorder characterized by an excessive increase in heart rate when transitioning to an upright position, often accompanied by dizziness and fatigue.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

a condition where blood clots form in the veins, often in the legs, and can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. It encompasses both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary oedema

A condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen exchange.

Left-sided heart failure

a condition where the left side of the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and pulmonary oedema.

Right-sided heart failure

a condition where the right side of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the lungs, leading to fluid buildup in the body, particularly in the abdomen and legs.

Ischemia

A condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to a tissue, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. It can result from blockages in blood vessels.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood, often indicating underlying respiratory or circulatory issues.

Claudication

pain or cramping in the legs due to insufficient blood flow, often occurring during exercise and relieved by rest.

Hypertensive crisis

A severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or other serious health issues. It requires immediate medical attention.

White coat hypertension

A phenomenon where patients exhibit elevated blood pressure readings in a clinical setting, often due to anxiety or stress related to medical examinations.

Atrial flutter

A type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by rapid and regular heartbeats originating from the atria, often leading to palpitations and dizziness.

Ventricular tachycardia

A type of rapid heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles. It can lead to severe complications, including fainting or cardiac arrest.

Sinus arrhythmia

A natural variation in heart rate during breathing, often seen in children and young adults. It is usually a benign condition.

Blood loss (haemorrhage)

The loss of blood from the circulatory system due to injury, surgery, or illness, which can lead to low blood volume and shock if severe.

Capillary leak syndrome

A rare condition where fluid and proteins leak from small blood vessels into surrounding tissues, potentially leading to severe swelling and low blood volume.

Hypoxia

A condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues. It can result from various causes, including respiratory illnesses or inadequate blood flow.

Hypercoagulability

A condition in which there is an increased tendency for blood to clot, potentially leading to thrombosis and various vascular complications.

Factor V Leiden

A genetic mutation that increases the risk of developing abnormal blood clots, often leading to venous thromboembolism.

Chronic inflammation of arteries

A condition characterized by persistent inflammation in the arterial walls, often leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Cor pulmonale

A condition affecting the right side of the heart, caused by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often resulting from lung diseases.

Ischemic heart disease

A condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease, leading to chest pain and other symptoms.

Cardiac ischemia

A condition where blood flow to the heart is reduced, causing a deficiency in oxygen and nutrients. It can lead to chest pain (angina) and heart attacks.