Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease | Causes and Treatment

livewell
June 21, 2024
Eric kent

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is a disease affecting your blood vessels and heart. They can affect one or more parts of your blood vessels or heart. It can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Pulmonary disease is a disease, affecting your lungs or other parts of the respiratory system. It can be symptomatic or asymptomatic like cardiovascular diseases.

Types of Cardiovascular Diseases

Some common types of cardiovascular diseases are:

Hypertension

It is also known as high blood pressure. This is a condition where consistent high blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiomyopathy

This is a disease involving heart muscles, it can result in heart failure.

Congenital Heart Disease

It is a condition involving heart abnormalities and it is present at birth.

Coronary Artery Disease

In this condition, blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery occurs. This can be due to atherosclerosis, resulting in heart attack.

Heart Failure

This is due to not enough pumping of the blood as per the body’s needs leading to failure of the heart.

Aortic Disease

It is due to issues in the large blood vessels that are involved in directing the blood from the heart to the brain and then the rest of the body.

Pericardial Disease

It involves issues with the lining of the heart. This includes pericardial effusion and pericarditis.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Problems like narrowing or blockages of blood vessels in the legs, abdominal organs, or arms are referred to as peripheral artery disease.

Types of Pulmonary Diseases

Some common types of pulmonary diseases are:

Chronic Bronchitis

It is an inflammation of the bronchi for the long term. It is characterized by a cough which produces mucus. This cough lasts for at least three months for two years consecutively.

Emphysema

This is a condition, in which air is trapped in the lungs due to lung damage.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs.

Lung Cancer

There are different types of lung cancer. It occurs mostly in the lung’s main part, air sacs, or near air sacs.

Acute Bronchitis

It is an infection of the airways. A virus usually causes it.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The serious illness results in sudden and severe injury to the lungs. For example, Covid.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease

Some symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases are:

Chest pain.
Dizziness.
Pain in the legs.
Redness of legs skin.
Fatigue.
Numbness in limb or face.
Heaviness in the chest.
Unhealed sores on the legs.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Disease

Symptoms vary with the type of condition. Some common symptoms of pulmonary disease are:

Persistent coughing.
Wheezing.
Chest pain.
Respiratory infections.
Fatigue.
Bluing of fingernails or lips.
Swelling of toes and fingers.
Difficulty in breathing

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis

It is building up plaque in the artery.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension can cause cardiovascular disease. It can damage blood vessels and hearts.

Stress

Chronic stress can lead to heart-related diseases.

Diabetes

It can be one of the causes of cardiovascular disease as high levels of blood sugar result in damaging blood vessels.

Smoking

Cardiovascular disease can be caused due to smoking. Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels subsequently leading to heart diseases.

Obese Condition

It increases pressure on the heart leading to cardiovascular disease.

Consuming Excessive Amount of Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in cardiovascular disease.

Genetic Cause

Family history plays a role in resulting cardiovascular disease.

Causes of Pulmonary Disease

Smoking

One of the main causes of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking.

Infections

Microbial infection can result in diseases of the lungs like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Genetic Cause

A family history of pulmonary diseases can lead to cystic fibrosis and asthma.

Autoimmune Disorders or Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can result in pulmonary diseases.

Age

Age can be one of the causes or factors leading to pulmonary disease.

Chronic Infections of the Lungs

They can result in damaging lungs.

Allergens

Some allergens can result in triggering asthma or other respiratory allergies.

Air Pollution

Exposure to air pollutants for a long period can result in damaging the lungs.

Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases can be diagnosed via a variety of techniques. The healthcare professional will recommend these diagnostic tests after knowing the medical history and doing a physical examination.

Blood Test

Blood tests are performed to measure the level of cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein.

Chest X-ray

This helps to detect the size and shape of the heart. It also helps in detection of any fluid present in the heart.

Electrocardiogram

It is a test to record the heart’s electrical signals. This is a quick and painless test. It is used to determine, whether the heart is beating too slowly or too fast. There is also a portable ECG device that helps to record the activity of the heart during daily activities. It helps in the detection of irregular heartbeats which are not assessed during the regular ECG test.

Echocardiogram

This test involves using sound waves to create a heart’s detailed images. It shows the movement of heart valves and the heart. It can also determine whether the valve is leaking or narrowing.

Cardiac Catheterization

It helps to show any blockage in the arteries. The procedure involves the insertion of the catheter in the blood vessels and guided to the heart. The dye reaches the arteries by flowing through the catheter. This dye helps to show the arteries more clearly on the images of X-rays taken during the test.

CT scan

CT scan is a diagnostic test that gives a detailed image of the heart and blood vessels. It helps in detecting calcium deposits in coronary arteries.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI involves using radio waves and a magnetic field for the creation of heart-detailed images.

Stress Test

It involves determining the performance of the heart during physical activities like checking the heart’s performance while riding a bike, etc.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Diseases

Commonly, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is misdiagnosed. Many individuals suffering from COPD may remain undiagnosed until the advancement of the disease. The healthcare professional will check the signs, symptoms, and medical history and recommend further diagnostic procedures. Some of these tests are:

Function Tests

They measure the amount of air one can exhale and inhale. It also helps in determining whether enough oxygen is delivered by the lungs or not. During spirometry, one blows in a large tube that is connected to a small machine, it helps to measure the amount of air the lungs can hold and the speed at which the air is blown out of the lungs. Other functional tests include walk tests, pulse oximetry, etc.

Chest X-ray

It gives an image of the lungs, which helps to detect any infection, lung cancer, and other chronic conditions.

CT Scan

It gives a detailed image of the lungs. It helps in the identification of lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI is used less frequently. It helps to give a detailed image of the structure of the lung and blood vessels.

Blood Tests

It helps in measuring the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also helps in detecting an infection and assessing other factors, which might indicate the presence of any lung disease.

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory tests are used for the determination of the causes of symptoms. It helps in determining genetic disorders that could result in pulmonary disease.

Bronchoscopy

It is used to view the bronchial tubes by insertion of a flexible tube with a camera. It collects the samples for culture and biopsy.

Analysis of Sputum

This test analyses your sputum for diagnosis of infections and other conditions of the lungs.

Exercise Test

Assessment of lung infection and level of oxygen during physical activities.

Thoracentesis

This procedure involves the removal of fluid from the area between the pleural space and the lungs, for analysis.

Treatment and Management of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is treated by managing symptoms, reducing risk factors, and preventing heart strokes and failures. Some of the treatment options are as follows:

Medications

Some medications are:

Antihypertensives

These medications include ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, diuretics, and, calcium channel blockers. ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, help lowering blood pressure by causing relaxation of blood vessels. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers such as metoprolol, amlodipine, etc. reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide function by eliminating excess fluid and lowering blood pressure.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants like warfarin work by reducing the risk of the formation of clots. It interferes with the mechanism of blood clotting.

Statins

Statins like simvastatin work by lowering cholesterol levels. This works by resulting in the inhibition of an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol.

Nitrates

An example of nitrate is nitroglycerin. This causes dilation of blood vessels which in turn improves the flow of the blood and reduces pain in the chest.

Surgical Procedures

Some surgical procedures are as follows:

Angioplasty

This is a procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into the narrowed artery. There is a balloon at the tip of the catheter. An artery is opened by the inflation of a balloon and it is kept open by a stent.

Replacement of Valve

It involves replacing a damaged valve with a biological or mechanical valve.

Repairing of Valve

This procedure involves fixing the damaged valve.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

CABG is a procedure in which blood vessel from another body part is grafted to bypass a blocked coronary artery. It improved the flow of the blood to the heart.

Heart Transplant

In this procedure, a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a healthy donor. This is done during severe cases.

Pace Maker

It is a device that is implanted under the skin of a patient for the regulation of heartbeats.

There are certain ways for the management of cardiovascular disease. Changes in lifestyle and adaptation to a healthy lifestyle, help in managing cardiovascular diseases. The lifestyle preferences for improved cardiac health are:

A healthy diet such as a Mediterranean diet, and an increase in fiber intake can help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular exercises like walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, etc. can help to improve cardiovascular health.
Quitting or avoiding smoking improves cardiovascular health. One therapy for quitting smoking is nicotine replacement therapy. There are some medicines like varenicline, that help in reducing the cravings.
Limiting the consumption of alcohol can improve cardiovascular health.
Managing stress through meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy improves cardiovascular health.
Regular monitoring and checkups help to manage the disease.
Proper education and counseling is helpful for improving cardiovascular health.

Treatment and Management of Pulmonary Disease

The treatment and management vary depending on the specific type, condition, and severity. Some options are:

Inhalers

In case of breathing difficulties, an inhaler can be used. An inhaler is a device that helps in delivering medicine directly to the lungs. There are different types of inhalers, some of the main types are as follows:

Short-acting Bronchodilator Inhalers

Bronchodilators are medicines to widen or relax the airways, this makes breathing easier. They are used when an individual is breathless for up to 4 times a day. The types of short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are:

Antimuscarinic inhalers like ipratropium.
Beta-2 agonist inhaler like terbutaline and salbutamol.

Long-acting Bronchodilator Inhaler

It is used in case a short-acting bronchodilator doesn’t make one feel better and an individual is experiencing symptoms regularly. Their mechanism is the same as that of short-acting Bronchodilator inhalers, but the dose lasts for at least the period of 12 hours. It is used once or twice a day. The types of long-acting Bronchodilator are:

Antimuscarinic inhalers like aclidinium, tiotropium.
Beta-2 agonist inhaler like salmeterol, indacaterol.

Steroid Inhaler

In case of frequent exacerbations even after using long-acting bronchodilators, steroid inhalers are used for treating this condition. These inhalers contain corticosteroids, which help in reducing inflammation in the airways.

Medications

Some antibiotics and capsules can be used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

Theophylline

It is a type of bronchodilator. It seems to reduce airway inflammation and relax the muscles lining the airways.

Mucolytics

In case of persistent cough with thick sputum, the healthcare provider might recommend a mucolytic. It can result in thinning the phlegm.

Antibiotics

The health care provider might recommend a short course of antibiotics in case of symptoms of chest infections.

Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

In case of low oxygen levels, the healthcare may advise the usage of masks or nasal tubes for oxygen. This helps in preventing the lowering of oxygen levels. Portable oxygen tanks can be used for the treatment of symptoms of COPD.

Surgical Treatment

Some surgical options include:

Bullectomy

It is a surgical procedure for the treatment of bullous lung disease. This is a condition in which bullae (large airspaces) are formed within the lung tissue. This results in compressing the lung tissue and impairing the function of the lungs causing shortness of breath. During the process of bullectomy, bullae are removed by invasive procedures or open surgery.

Lung Transplant

In this procedure, a damaged lung is replaced by a healthy lung.

The management can be done in the following ways:

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program used to help individuals suffering from lung issues. It involves exercise and awareness. It involves physical activities like cycling. It gives information regarding a healthy diet plan. It offers emotional and psychological support.
Quitting or avoiding smoking can help in preventing the worsening of COPD. Although the damage to the lungs caused by smoking cannot be reversed, it helps prevent further damage to the lungs.
A proper nutritious diet can manage or prevent pulmonary diseases.
Regular monitoring and checkups can diagnose the condition at an early stage. This is also useful for adjustments of treatments.

Conclusion

It is concluded that both cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are significant health concerns. They have a strong impact on quality of life if they are left untreated. Certain factors contribute to causing cardiovascular and pulmonary disease such as hypertension, lifestyles, genetics, etc. There are different diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc. Both cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases can be managed and treated via the use of medications, surgeries, changes in lifestyles, regular checkups and monitoring, etc. Consulting healthcare providers and support and counseling groups are necessary for enhancing overall well-being.

FAQ

Hello, What Can We Help You Find?

Are you looking for something? We are here to assist you. These are the questions
asked by our customers tell us yours.

What are cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases?

Cardiovascular disease is a disease affecting your blood vessels and heart. They can affect one or more parts of your blood vessels or heart. Pulmonary disease is a disease, affecting your lungs or other parts of the respiratory system.

How can cardiovascular and pulmonary disease be diagnosed?

It can be diagnosed via blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, stress tests, etc.

How can cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases be treated and managed?

Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases can be managed and treated via the use of medications, surgeries, changes in lifestyles, regular checkups and monitoring, etc. Consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended.

Hello! This is Customer Support

Feel free to contact us and we will provide you with information and guidance

Interesting Posts

Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity

- Hippocrates Tweet