The circulatory system consists of the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. The heart, blood, arteries and veins together form the cardiovascular system. The lymph vessels, lymphatic nodes and lymph together form the lymphatic system. A disease can be associated with any of these parts of the circulatory system.
A disease of the circulatory system affects the circulation of the blood due to the presence of blockages in the cardiovascular system. A poor composition of blood due to malnutrition or genetic disorders also cause diseases related to the circulatory system.
A gradual cholesterol build up in the arteries can impact the the flow of the blood as the deposits of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries shrinks the space in the arteries through which the blood can flow. This results in insufficient distribution of oxygen in one or more organs of the body. A sudden blockage by plaque (cholesterol deposit) in the coronary arteries can cause a heart attack.
The supply of fresh blood rich in oxygen is essential for every cell in the body. If the necessary oxygen and nutrients are not supplied adequately to an organ, it would fail or die. Loss of proper circulation in the legs can cause one to lose the affected leg. However, loss of proper circulation of blood to more critical organs like the brain and the kidneys can prove fatal in a very short time.
High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood adversely affect the circulatory system. Fortunately, the build up of cholesterol and triglycerides can be controlled by changing the life style and using medication if needed.
Sickle Cell Disease
Some genetic disorders, like the Sickle cell disease, are acquired genetically and cannot be prevented by changing one’s life style.Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems.
Some blood clotting disorders can also be genetically acquired. A blood clot can block the flow of blood causing complications that depend on the location of the clot.
