Our heart beats 100,000 times a day, pushing 5,000 gallons of blood through our body every 24 hours. It delivers oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to our tissues and carries away waste. Here, an explanation is given as to how this fascinating organ carries out its vital operations. The heart, blood, and blood vessels combined are referred to as the circulatory system. An average human has around 5 litres (8 pints) of blood, which is constantly pumped throughout the body. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include but are not limited to the following:
Coronary heart disease – This is the disease that affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle;
Cerebrovascular disease – Disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain;
Peripheral arterial disease – Disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs; congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth;
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – Blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs.
Signs of a heart attack
Some common signs of heart attack include;
1. Pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest, arms neck, jaw or shoulders.
2. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
3. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
4. Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or unusually tired.
5. Breaking out in a cold sweat.
