ARTERIES + VEINS
Description:
These allow the flow of blood in the systemic and pulmonary circuits. Arteries either carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lungs (making them pulmonary arteries) or oxygenated blood away to the rest of the body. Veins either carry oxygenated blood away from the lungs to the heart (making them pulmonary veins) or deoxygenated blood to the heart. The arteries branch into smaller arteries called arterioles to exchange gases between the blood and body tissues, and the veins branch into venules. The largest vein in the body is the vena cava, and the largest artery is the aorta.
Diseases and Conditions
Coronary artery disease (CAD):
Development of plaque made of cholesterol builds up in the arteries, making it difficult for the heart to receive oxygenated blood. This could lead to angina, also known as chest pain.
Aneurysm
A weakened artery may bulge and possibly burst, leading to internal bleeding
Myocardial infarction
When plaque buildup in the arteries break, the blood clots and causes a heart attack. Risk factors include inactiveness, old age, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking. Treating it involves medications like aspirin or surgery like coronary artery bypass.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
A vein contains a blood clot. If the clot dislodges, it may move to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism.
Varicose and spider veins
Damage to the veins leads to valves to allow blood movement backward. This leads to blood collection, which can swell up and cause twisted visible bulges in places like the legs.