DIDAGELOS MATTHAIOS
27123/manthosdid@yahoo.gr
LEIVADITIS VASILEIOS
27061/leivathites@hotmail.com
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Parts of the Circulatory System :
The circulatory system consists of three parts :
Heart
Vessels
Blood
Heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood
through the body
Vessels are any of the arteries, veins and capillaries
that carry blood through the body:
Arteries are tubes that carry blood
away from the heart.
Veins are tubes that return blood to
the heart.
Capillaries are the connection
between arteries and veins
Blood is a fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients to
the tissues and takes away carbon dioxide and
metabolic wastes from them.
How the circulatory system works :
The circulatory system has three subsystems:
Systemic circulation
Pulmonary circulation
Coronary circulation
The systemic circulation starts from the left
ventricle and ends at the right auricle. Blood,
from the left ventricle, passes through the aortic
valve, travels through the aorta, common
arteries, arterioles and reaches the capillaries. In
the capillaries, nutrients and oxygen are released
to the body cells while carbon dioxide and
metabolic wastes enter the circulation.
From the capillaries start the venules.
Venules continue as veins and end up as superior
and inferior vena cava.
The pulmonary circulation starts from the right ventricle and ends at the left
auricle. Blood, from the right ventricle, passes through the pulmonary semilunar valve,
travels through the pulmonary artery and reaches the lungs. There blood is supplied with
oxygen and releases the CO2. After this oxygen-rich blood returns through the pulmonary
vein to the left auricle.
The coronary circulation consists of the
right and left coronary arteries which start from the
ascending aorta. Then blood is gathered from the
major, minor and middle coronary veins and ends
up at the right auricle. This is the way the cardiac
muscle is supplied with blood.
The Heart
External structure of the heart:
The heart is surrounded by a hymen which is called
pericardium, a tough, double-layered sac. The inner layer of the
pericardium, known as the epicardium, rests directly on top of the heart muscle. The
outer layer of the pericardium is attached to the breastbone and other structures in the
chest cavity and helps hold the heart in place. Between the two layers of the pericardium
is a thin space filled with a watery fluid that helps prevent these layers from rubbing
against each other when the heart beats.
The heart is contracted by a special muscle which is called myocardium.
Myocardium has common properties with both the skeletal and the smooth muscles:
The Three Types of Muscles
oType of Muscle
Smooth Muscle
Cardiac
Muscle
Skeletal Muscle
Appearance
Smooth
Striated
Striated
Voluntary or
Involuntary
Involuntary
Involuntary
Voluntary
Function
Controls movement
of internal organs.
Controls
contractions
of the heart.
As we notice,
Both skeletal and cardiac muscle are striated and
Both smooth and cardiac muscle are involuntary.
Moves bones. Skeletal
muscles work in pairs. When
one contracts, the other
relaxes.
They are attached to bone
by bands of tissue called
tendons.
Internal structure of the heart:
The inner surfaces of the heart's chambers are lined with a thin sheet of shiny,
white tissue known as the endocardium. The same type of tissue, more broadly referred to
as endothelium, also lines the body's blood vessels, forming one continuous lining
throughout the circulatory system. This lining helps blood flow smoothly and prevents
blood clots from forming inside the circulatory system.
How the heart works:
The heart, a muscular organ, positioned
behind the ribcage and between the lungs. Its size is
about a clenched fist and it weights 280-350gr at the
male adult and about 230-280gr at the female adult.
The human heart has four chambers. The upper two
chambers, the right and left auricles, are the receiving
chambers for blood. They collect blood that pours in
from veins. The lower two chambers, the right and
left ventricle, are the pumping chambers for blood.
The right and left sides of the heart are separated
from each other by a wall of tissue. Each side pumps
blood through a different circuit of blood vessels:
The right side of the heart sends oxygen-poor blood
to the pulmonary circulation, while the left side of the heart sends oxygen-rich blood both
to the systemic and coronary circulation.
Blood returning from a trip around the body has given up most of its oxygen and
picked up carbon dioxide in the body's tissues. This oxygen-poor blood feeds into two
large veins, the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava, which empty into the right
auricle of the heart. The right auricle conducts blood through the tricuspid valve to the
right ventricle, and the right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary artery through
the pulmonary semilunar valve.
The blood, oxygenated from the lungs, returns to the heart through the
pulmonary veins, which empty into
the left auricle. Blood passes from the
left auricle through the mitruid valve
into the left ventricle, from where it is
pumped out of the heart into the aorta
through the aortic semilunar valve, the
body's largest artery. Smaller arteries
that branch off the aorta distribute
blood to various parts of the body.
The four valves within the
heart help prevent blood from flowing
backward in the heart. The valves open
easily in the direction of blood flow,
but when blood pushes against the valves in the opposite direction, the valves close. Two
of the valves are located between the auricles and ventricles, and are known as
atrioventricular valves. The right atrioventricular valve is formed from three flaps of
tissue and is called the tricuspid valve, while the left atrioventricular valve has two flaps
and is called the bicuspid or mitral valve. The other two valves are located between the
ventricles and arteries. They are called semilunar valves because they each consist of
three half-moon-shaped flaps of tissue. The right semilunar valve, between the right
ventricle and pulmonary artery, is also called the pulmonary valve. The left semilunar
valve, between the left ventricle and aorta, is also called the aortic valve.
Although the right and left halves of the heart are separate, they both contract in
unison, producing a single heartbeat. The sequence of events from the beginning of one
heartbeat to the beginning of the next is called the cardiac cycle. The cardiac cycle has
two phases: diastole, when the heart's chambers are relaxed, and systole, when the
chambers contract to move blood. During the systolic phase, the auricles contract first,
followed by contraction of the ventricles. This sequential contraction ensures efficient
movement of blood from auricles to ventricles and then into the arteries. If the auricles
and ventricles contracted simultaneously, the heart would not be able to move as much
blood with each beat.
During diastole, both auricles and ventricles are relaxed, and the atrioventricular
valves are open. Blood pours from the veins into the auricles, and from there into the
ventricles. In fact, most of the blood that enters the ventricles simply pours in during
diastole. Systole then begins as the auricles contract to complete the filling of the
ventricles. Next, the ventricles contract, forcing blood out through the semilunar valves
and into the arteries, and the atrioventricular valves close to prevent blood from flowing
back into the auricles. As pressure rises in the arteries, the semilunar valves snap shut to
prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles. Diastole then begins again as the
heart muscle relaxes-the auricles first, followed by the ventricles-and blood begins to
pour into the heart once more.
Arteries, Veins, Capillaries:
All these are the “tubes” the circulatory system uses in order to carry blood
throughout the body. However there are some interesting differences between these
pathways of blood transportation.
Arteries start from the left ventricle (with the
ascending part of the aorta) and become smaller and
smaller as they gradually change into capillaries. The main
role arteries have to complete, is to help the motion of the
blood and control its flow before it goes into the tiny
capillaries. Arteries are able to perform this because of the
smooth muscle fibers they have into their walls, which are
thicker and stronger of the walls of the veins or of the
capillaries.
Capillaries represent
arteries and veins and start
Their wall consists of only
is called endothelium. This
gas exchange between
the junction between
after the arterioles.
one layer of cells, that
is to make easier the
blood cells and tissues
(blood  O2  tissues  CO2  blood) and also the exchange of metabolic products.
Blood removes metabolic wastes from the tissues and supplies them with nutrients,
achieving this with the help of two kinds of pressure:
the hydrostatic pressure, which pushes water and nutrients out at the beginning of
the vessel
and the osmotic pressure that helps the water and the wastes enter within the
vessel at its venous end.
Capillaries continue then as venules that give the
greater veins. Veins return blood to the heart but they can
also be used as blood deposits at certain parts of the body,
such as the skin, the liver or other organs and provide
increased amounts of blood when necessary, for example in a
sudden blood loss. Their wall contains a few smooth muscle
fibers and is weaker than the artery wall although their lumen
is wider.
What is blood:
Blood is the only liquid tissue of the body. It consists of four major elements:
Red blood cells: These cells carry oxygen (O2) from lungs to
body cells and carbon dioxide (CO2) from body cells back to
lungs to be exhaled. They have no nucleus and live about 120
days. Their most significant protein is hemoglobin (Hb) which
takes part in the gas exchange. Their shape is double concave and have great elasticity,
so that they are able to pass through capillaries whose diameter is smaller than theirs.
They are able to do this because of the protein spectrin that creates an flexible net at their
inner surface. Their number is about 5.5 million per mm³ for males and about 4.5 million
per mm³ for females. Their number is controlled by a hormone called erythropoietin
which is produced by the kidneys.
Platelets: They are small cytoplasmic fragments of mega
cytocytes and help blood accumulation. Their principle role
is to begin the process of coagulation with a sequence of
reactions whenever a vessel is damaged. Their number is
about 300.000/mm³.
White blood cells (leukocytes): Their major role is to fight germs
that infect the body. Their number is normally between 4.0008.000/mm³ and they are divided into to basic categories:
 Granular
 Non granular
In the second category belong the monocytes and the lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes become mature either in the bone marrow or in the
thymoid gland and so they are called B- or T- cells and take part in
the body defence with a special reaction called immune response.
When an antigen (germ, polypeptide chain, nucleic acid) enters
the body B-cells are differentiated into plasma cells which
secrete antibodies in order to eliminate the antigen (humoral
immunity).
There are three types of T-cells: TH (Helper cells), TC
(Cytotoxic cells) and TS (Suppresor
cells).
TC cells act as an army and attack germs or cells of the organism
that have been infected by an antigen (cellular immunity).
TH cells act as activators for both B and TC cells.
TS cells are used in order for the immune response to be
suppressed.
Plasma: Plasma is a yellowish liquid that consists mostly of water and plays the role of
the extracellular fluid for the blood cells. It also contains proteins and salts. Plasma also
contains other small molecules, including vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and waste
products. The concentrations of all of these molecules must be carefully regulated.
Plasma is usually yellow in color due to proteins dissolved in it. However, after a person
eats a fatty meal, that person’s plasma temporarily develops a milky color as the blood
carries the ingested fats from the intestines to other organs of the body. Plasma carries a
large number of important proteins, including albumin, gamma globulin, and clotting
factors.
Albumin is the main protein in blood. It helps regulate the water content of tissues
and blood.
Gamma globulin is composed of tens of thousands of unique antibody molecules.
Clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, are involved in forming blood clots that seal
leaks after an injury. Plasma that has had the clotting factors removed is called
serum.
Functions of blood:
Summarizing we could tell that the main functions of the blood, that pose and its
importance are:
Transportation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, metabolic products
(proteins, sugars, fatty acids, salts: Na, Cl, Ca etc.)
PH’s regulation of the body’s liquids
Coagulation of blood in a blood loss
It takes part in the immune response and in the general defence of the body with
its lymphocytes
It helps the regulation of the body temperature with the contraction or not of the
vessels
Transportation: Erythrocytes carry the oxygen from the alveoli of the lungs to the
tissues where they are supplied with carbon dioxide and release it at the lungs. Blood also
carries hormones from one part of the body to another. Hormones are the chemical
messengers of the body and regulate metabolism.
PH: Normal blood pH ranges from 7,38 to 7,42. It is regulated by four systems :
 H2CO3/NaHCO3 = 1/20
 NaH2PO4/NaHPO4 = 1/4
 System of Hb/HbO2
 System of plasma proteins
Coagulation: As soon as an artery or vein is injured, the platelets in the area of the injury
begin to clump together and stick to the edges of the cut. They also release messengers
into the blood that perform a variety of functions: constricting the blood vessels to reduce
bleeding, attracting more platelets to the area to enlarge the platelet plug, and initiating
the work of plasma-based clotting factors, such as fibrinogen. Through a complex
mechanism involving many steps and many clotting factors, the plasma protein
fibrinogen is transformed into long, sticky threads of fibrin. Together, the platelets and
the fibrin create an intertwined meshwork that forms a stable clot. This self-sealing aspect
of the blood is crucial to survival.
Immune response: In the blood we can find white blood cells which eliminate antigens
that enter the body. Monocytes and neutrophils provoke the innate (non-specific)
immunity, while B- and T- cells provoke the adaptive (specific) immunity.
Temperature regulation: When blood reaches the skin there is a heat loss otherwise
blood cannot reach the skin due to the contraction of the blood cells.
Conditions associated with the heart:
Angina
Angina is chest pain caused by coronary heart disease, a partial blockage of the
coronary arteries. If you have angina, your heart may not get enough blood, especially
when you exercise or are under stress.
Signs and Symptoms
• Pressing or squeezing pain in the chest
• Pain lessens in a few minutes when you rest or take medication prescribed by your
health care provider
What Causes It?
Coronary heart disease is the root cause of angina. Some risk factors for
developing angina are older age, male sex, menopause, family history of angina, diabetes,
smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and stress.
Diagnosis
You will have an electrocardiogram (EKG), during which electrodes will be
fastened to your chest with a sticky gel. Your health care
provider may also suggest a stress test, in which the EKG is
taken while you walk on a treadmill or use a stationary
bicycle. Your health care provider may recommend
coronary arteriography, where a catheter is inserted through
a small incision to inject a dye that makes your blood flow
visible on an x-ray image. Any blockages in and around
your heart will appear.
Treatment Plan
There are two main goals in treating angina. The first is to allow you to perform
moderate exercise without pain. The second is to treat the underlying heart disease and
prevent it from getting worse.
Drug Therapies
Prescription • Nitrates—increase the size of blood vessels, thus allowing blood
to flow more easily; also help beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers to work more
effectively; tolerance occurs with continued use
• Beta-blockers—used for angina symptoms; reduce blood
pressure, heart rate, and the force by which the heart pumps
blood; serious side effects if medication is stopped suddenly
• Calcium-channel blockers—used for angina symptoms;
reduce blood pressure and the force by which the heart pumps
blood; some also reduce heart rate
• Cholesterol-lowering medications—slows blockage of
arteries
Over the Counter • Aspirin—allows blood to flow
more easily
Surgical Procedures
If drugs are ineffective, you may need surgery. There are many different types of
surgery to remove blockages from blood vessels or widen blood vessels so blood flows
more easily.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Specific herbs and nutrients can help treat angina
Nutrition
Avoid saturated fats (meat and full-fat dairy products), refined foods, caffeine,
and alcohol. Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (coldwater fish, nuts, and seeds).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can relieve symptoms and help treat underlying causes.
Massage
Massage can improve circulation to peripheral tissues.
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction (MI) is also called a heart
attack. A heart attack occurs when an artery leading to the
heart becomes totally blocked. A heart attack is a medical
emergency.
What Causes It?
Atherosclerosis, the process of plaque buildup in an artery until it becomes closed,
is the most frequent cause of heart attacks. Heart attacks can also result from heartmuscle spasms or hereditary heart problems. The following increase your risk of having a
heart attack.
• Smoking
• High-fat diet, excess body weight
• Family history of early MI
• Diabetes
• Oral contraceptives
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Being male, or a female who has gone through
menopause
• Cocaine or amphetamine abuse
Diagnosis
• You will have an electrocardiogram (EKG).
• A health care provider will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical
examination.
• You will have a blood test to evaluate your cardiac enzyme levels.
Treatment Options
Blood must be brought back to the affected area of the heart immediately. Three
methods for doing this are drug therapy, angioplasty (using one of several methods to
clear the blocked blood vessel, such as inflating a balloon inside it or holding it open with
a device called a stent), and surgery.
Drug Therapies
Your health care provider may prescribe one or several drugs to help bring blood
back to the blocked artery, keep your heartbeat regular, lower your blood pressure,
control pain, and improve blood flow.
• Streptokinase (SK)—improves widening of the coronary artery; takes 70 minutes to
feel the effects; given intravenously
• Tissue plasminogen activator—improves widening of the
coronary artery; takes 45 minutes to feel the effects
• Anisoylated plasminogens streptokinase activator complex—
more expensive but longer anti-clotting activity than streptokinase
• Heparin—improves widening of the coronary artery
• Nitroglycerin—improves blood flow, helping to prevent blood
clots that block arteries
• Beta blockers—reduce cardiac rupture, new heart attacks,
irregular heart beat; various side effects
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors—reduce high
blood pressure
• Pain control—morphine sulfate, intravenous
• Oxygen—by a tube inserted into your nose, as needed
• Aspirin—improves blood flow, helping to prevent blood clots that block arteries; it
works best if you chew it; various side effects; frequently prescribed
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies are most appropriate to reduce your risk of a first MI,
minimize damage from an MI, and reduce the risk of a subsequent MI.
Herbs
Herbs should not be used in place of immediate medical attention. Herbs can be used as
general heart tonics and specifically applied to treating conditions associated with MI,
such as atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol levels, high blood
pressure, and high fat levels in the blood.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy should never be used instead of immediate medical attention.
Physical Medicine
Physical medicine may be beneficial for rehabilitation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is useful for pain and rehabilitation.
Massage
Massage is beneficial for rehabilitation and prevention of MI.
Following Up
You may reduce your risk of heart attack by avoiding known risk factors. Get aerobic
exercise (such as walking, biking, or swimming) for at least 20 minutes three times per
week. If you haven't exercised much in the past, walking is a great way to start. Reducing
stress can also help lower your risk of MI. Learn stress-reduction techniques such as deep
breathing and meditation. Gentle exercise such as yoga and tai chi can also help you
reduce your stress level. Eat a low-fat diet and stay at the proper weight.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your health care provider's
instructions to keep it under control. If you are a woman and have gone through
menopause, you may want to consider hormone replacement therapy—it can lower your
risk of heart disease.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, a sac surrounding the heart.
The most common form is acute pericarditis, which can usually be treated without
hospitalization. Common in adolescents and young adults, acute pericarditis affects males
more than females. Pericardial effusion is a form that results when fluid builds up in the
pericardium. It is a more serious condition that can require hospitalization and possibly
surgery. Constrictive pericarditis is a form that is a chronic condition and worsens
gradually over a long period of time. It may ultimately require surgery. Pericardial
effusion and constrictive pericarditis can occur together.
NORMAL
ABNORMAL
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of pericarditis vary somewhat.
Acute pericarditis:
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Flushed appearance
• Muscle pain
• Pain with swallowing
• Feelings of anxiousness, discomfort, or uneasiness
Pericardial effusion:
• Difficulty breathing
• A bluish skin color
Constrictive pericarditis:
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion in the lungs
• Fatigue
• Abdominal swelling
What Causes It?
Acute pericarditis and pericardial effusion have a large number of possible causes,
including viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer, trauma to the heart (such as chest injury), drug
reactions, and radiation exposure. In many cases, however, the actual cause is unknown.
Constrictive pericarditis usually results from repeated cases of acute pericarditis.
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Your health care provider will listen to your heart and lungs, take your pulse, and
probably tap your chest and back. Your provider will probably order a number of tests,
which may include blood work, an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, chest X ray,
computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment Options
Pericarditis is usually treated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen), but steroid medications may be prescribed.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies may have benefit as supportive treatments for some of the
causes of pericarditis. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a cardiac tonic with very low
toxicity that could be used along with whatever therapy your provider deems most
appropriate.
Nutrition • Vitamin C (1,000 mg three times per day) may help decrease inflammation.
It also aids in fighting infection, and is an antioxidant.
• Coenzyme Q10 (50 mg bid) is an important antioxidant that may help prevent heart
muscle damage and speed recovery.
• Your provider may recommend sodium restriction if you have constrictive pericarditis.
• If your pericarditis is of viral origin, your provider may recommend supplementation
with vitamin A (300,000 IU/day for 3 days).
• Flaxseed oil (3 g twice per day) helps decrease inflammation.
• Avoid saturated fats, alcohol, and sugars, which can lead to increased inflammation
and lowered immune function.
• Consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. These foods are antiinflammatory and protect the heart.
Herbs
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine
extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made
with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers,
and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.
• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) can help prevent high blood pressure and hardening
of the arteries. Dose is 60 drops tincture three times per day 1 tsp. berries steeped for 10
minutes in hot water, or 100 to 250 mg three times per day as a supplement.
• Linden (Tilia cordata) is used for high blood pressure with nervous tension, and may
be useful adjunctive treatment where there is anxiety. Dose is 1 tsp. dried blossoms per
cup hot water three times a day or 60 drops tincture three times a day.
• Blue monkshood (Aconitum napellus) has been described as an herbal remedy for
pericarditis without significant effusion. CAUTION: As this herb can be highly toxic,
even fatal, it is not recommended unless prescribed by an experienced health care
provider.
Homeopathy
Some of the most common remedies used for pericarditis are listed below. Usually, the
dose is 3 to 5 pellets of a 12X to 30C remedy every one to four hours until your
symptoms get better.
• Aconite for sudden, sharp pains accompanied by anxiety (especially fear of dying) and
restlessness
• Spongia tosta for the sensation that the chest will explode, anxiety, light-headedness,
sweating; patient may be flushed
• Cactus grandiflorus for the feeling that there is a band around the chest or a great
weight on the chest; palpitations; feels better in the open air and worse at night
Acupuncture
Can be very helpful in decreasing inflammation, enhancing immune response, and
regulating cardiac function.
Following Up
Your provider may order a follow-up X ray or electrocardiogram.
What to do in order to maintain a healthy circulatory system:
If you want your heart to be healthy for the rest of your life, follow this
prescription:
1. Get plenty of exercise.
2. Follow a good diet.
3. Keep your heart clean and drug-free.
People who don't follow this prescription often develop some form of heart disease
Exercising Options
The hardest part of an exercise routine is getting started. Once you've established a
regular pattern of exercise, you'll find yourself following it. So, how do you get started?
Well, first of all, consult your doctor. Your doctor can recommend the specific kinds of
exercise for your own individual needs. Generally, however, these guidelines should get
you going.
First of all, exercise will only become a habit if it's fun! Pick something you will enjoy
doing. If you like being with a group of people, try a team sport like basketball or soccer.
You don't have to be a super athlete. Anyone can exercise. Social activities like dancing
and mall-walking are also good. If you're more of a loner, try bicycling or swimming.
Don't kid yourself. Be honest about what you
realistically think you can do. If you have
always hated to climb stairs, step aerobics
probably isn't for you. Maybe a walk around
the neighborhood would be more pleasant.
Many people today are walking toward
fitness.
Consider your current state of physical fitness.
If you haven't exercised in years, you'll
definitely want to start with some modest
activities. As you get adjusted, you can
increase your activity.
Consider your schedule. Are you a morning person? Then plan to exercise in the
morning. If you're addicted to your snooze button, plan to exercise in the evening. Start
with just a small block of time, maybe fifteen minutes. As you get into your routine, you
probably won't mind increasing to twenty, and then thirty, minutes. In order to be
effective, you'll need to repeat your exercise routine 3 or 4 times per week.
Will you exercise at home or at a fitness center? Selecting a fitness center can be a
challenge, but you may find the community support motivational. Will you need any
special equipment? The variety of exercise equipment available for purchase today can be
overwhelming. Be sure to buy the proper equipment.
Finally, take it easy. Make sure that you exercise intelligently and cautiously. Follow
some guidelines for beginners. Exercise should improve your health, not risk it.
If you're still making excuses, at least try some of the Healthy Heart Tips for today.
These simple, realistic activities can become the first step toward a healthier tomorrow.
Healthy Eating For Healthy Living
If you want to have a healthy heart, you have to learn how to eat a healthy heart diet. All
of the food you eat effects the health of your heart. Learn which foods are heart smart and
try to include them as a regular part of your diet.
Consult your doctor for an eating plan that best suits your dietary needs. If you are of
average health, you can probably follow the Food Pyramid eating plan.
What's Your Favorite Healthy Heart Menu?
No matter which eating plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:
Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent
of total calories daily.
Saturated fatty acid intake should be less than
10 percent of total calories daily.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.
Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of
total calories daily.
Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.
Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.
Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives.
Don't forget that you can enjoy the taste of eating right. Healthy heart foods can be
delicious!
Purification
The human heart's job is to pump nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. If you
smoke, take drugs, or drink alcohol excessively, you are giving your heart extra work.
How do you feel when you have too much
work to do? Your heart cannot handle too
much extra work over a long period of time.
Over time, the health of your heart will suffer.
Scientists have proven that smoking doubles
your risk of having a heart attack and doubles,
triples, or quadruples your risk of sudden
cardiac death. Each year, over 300,000
Americans die of smoking-related heart
disease. So, don't smoke. If you do, quit. The
sooner you quit, the sooner your risk will start
to decline. There is hope. Former smokers can
completely lower their risk of sudden cardiac death within ten years of quitting.
Because they are foreign substances, any drug can effect your heart. Even prescribed
medications can. However, since prescribed medications are legal, doctors are able to
control the effect a drug will have on your heart by controlling the dosage. With illegal
drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, amphetamines, etc.), YOU have to control the effect
on your heart. Can you do that? Only if you don't take any. Even a small amount of a
drug can be potentially fatal. So, don't use illegal drugs. If you do, quit.
While drinking alcohol in moderation may not pose a risk, drinking excessively does
pose a serious hazard to your heart. While alcohol flows in your blood stream, the
nutrient-rich blood is less able to nourish the heart. If the alcohol content is excessive,
your heart will be in danger. So, don't drink alcohol excessively. If you do, quit.
One Among Millions
What happens if you ignore the recommended healthy heart habits? Perhaps nothing.
Many people live
long lives without
paying much attention
to
their
heart.
However, it is more
likely that you will
develop some form of
heart
disease.
Millions
of
Americans
suffer
from some form of
heart disease. The
statistics are staggering. Commonly, people suffer from high blood pressure. Some suffer
heart disease as a result of diabetes. Others develop an arrhythmia, murmur, or irregular
heartbeat. Increasingly, women are becoming the greater percentage of heart disease
sufferers.
TERM
Example in
context
Word class Dictionary
information definition
List of Medical words
Greek
translation
pericardium
a hymen which noun
is called
pericardium
endocardium
a thin sheet of noun
shiny, white
tissue known
as the
endocardium
The inner layer noun
of the
pericardium,
known as the
epicardium
Blood removes adjective
metabolic
wastes
epicardium
metabolic
lumen
although their
lumen is wider
noun
hemoglobin
most
significant
protein is
haemoglobin
noun
erythropoietin
a hormone
called
erythropoietin
noun
coagulation
begin the
process of
coagulation
noun
antigen
infected by an
antigen
noun
The conical sac of
fibrous tissue that
surrounds the heart
and the roots of the
great blood vessels
The lining of the
interior surface of
the heart chambers
περικάρδιο
The inner layer of
the pericardium
επικάρδιο
Relating to
metabolism, the
whole range of
biochemical
processes that occur
within us (or any
living organism)
the channel within a
tube such as a
blood vessel or to
the cavity within a
hollow organ such
as the intestine
The oxygencarrying pigment
and predominant
protein in the red
blood cells
A hormone
produced by the
kidney that
promotes the
formation of red
blood cells in the
bone marrow
The process by
which the blood
clots to form solid
masses
μεταβολικός
ενδοκάρδιο
αυλός
αιμοσφαιρίνη
ερυθροποιητίνη
συσσώρευση
A substance that is αντιγόνο
capable of causing
the production of an
antibody.
The clear liquid that
can be separated
from clotted blood.
The liquid part of
the blood and
lymphatic fluid,
which makes up
about half of its
volume
The word
"coronary" comes
from the Latin
"corona" and Greek
"koron" meaning
crown
Natural menopause
occurs when the
ovaries naturally
decrease their
production of the
sex hormones
estrogen and
progesterone
Examination of the
arteries using xrays following
injection of a
radiopaque
substance
The practice of
inserting needles
into the body to
reduce pain or
induce anesthesia.
ορός
noun
The word "diabetes" is
borrowed from the Greek
word meaning "a siphon."
The 2nd-century A.D. Greek
physician, Aretus the
Cappadocian, named the
condition "diabetes." He
explained that patients with it
had polyuria and "passed
water like a siphon."
διαβήτης
adjective
Transmitted or
capable of being
transmitted
genetically from
parent to offspring:
κληρονομικός
serum
removed is
called serum
noun
plasma
Plasma is a
yellowish
liquid
noun
coronary
coronary heart
disease
adjective
menopause
risk factors for
developing
angina are…
menopause
noun
arteriography
recommend
coronary
arteriography
noun
acupuncture
Acupuncture
can relieve
symptoms
noun
diabetes
What causes it
? : Diabetes
hereditary
hereditary
heart problems
πλάσμα
στεφανιαίος
εμμηνόπαυση
αρτηριογραφία
βελονισμός
hypertension
hypertension
noun
defined as a
repeatedly elevated
blood pressure
TERM
Example in
Word class exceeding
Dictionary
140 over
context
information 90definition
mmHg
atherosclerosis associated with noun
A process of
MI, such as
progressive
atherosclerosis,
thickening and
hardening of the
artery walls as a
result of fat
deposits on their
inner lining.
List of Academic words
υπέρταση
Greek
translation
αθηροσκλήρωση
accumulation help blood
accumulation
noun
contraction
regulation of the
body temperature
with the
contraction
Functions of
blood
noun
without
significant
effusion
It consists of four
major elements
adjective
B-cells are
differentiated
into plasma cells
double-layered
sac
verb
Their major role
is to fight germs
Lymphocytes
become mature
adjective
that pose and its
importance are
verb
function
significant
element
differentiate
layer
major
mature
pose
noun
noun
noun
adjective
The process of
growing into a large
amount or heap
The act of
contracting or the
state of being
contracted
The physiological
activity of an organ
or body part
Having or likely to
have a major effect;
important
A fundamental,
essential, or
irreducible
constituent of a
composite entity
To make different by
alteration or
modification
A single thickness of
a material covering a
surface or forming an
overlying part or
segment:
Greater than others
in importance or rank
Having reached full
natural growth or
development
To put forward;
present
Additional websites/bibliography:
συσσώρευση
σύσπαση
λειτουργία
σημαντικός
συστατικό
διαφοροποιώ
στρώμα
πρωτεύων
ώριμος
θέτω
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/infectious/qas/0,,417918_175476,00.html?arrivalS
A=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/onemed/lister/0,,246953,00.html
http://sln.fi.edu/biosci/healthy/healthy.html
Encyclopedia “Microsoft Encarta 2000”
Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Science 2.0