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Cardiac cycle

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  The cardiac cycle is divided into two basic phases: systole (contraction and ejection) and diastole (relaxation and filling). Diastole is the time when the ventricles are not contracting but rather relaxed. Blood is passively flowing into the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) from the left atrium (RA) for the majority of this time (see figure to the right). Mitral and tricuspid atrioventricular valves separate the atria from the ventricles, allowing blood to flow through them. Through the inferior vena cava (IVC) and superior vena cava (SVC), the RA receives venous blood from the body. Through four pulmonary veins that enter the LA, oxygenated blood from the lungs reaches the LA. Both atria contract at the conclusion of diastole, bringing additional blood into the ventricles. The period of time known as systole is when the left and right ventricles contract and release blood into the pulmonary artery and aorta, respectively. The aortic and pulmonic valves open du...

Cardiac output

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Introduction Cardiac output (CO) is the mechanism by which blood circulates throughout the body, particularly to the brain and other vital organs. It is the amount of blood pumped by the heart every minute. Modulating both the heart rate (HR) and the stroke volume (SV) alters both the cardiac output and the body's demand for oxygen, such as when exercising. Because every tissue in the body depends on the heart pumping blood for nourishment, any cardiovascular dysfunction has the potential to result in significant morbidity and mortality. As a result, the regulation of cardiac output is subject to a complex mechanism that involves the autonomic nervous system, endocrine, and paracrine signaling pathways. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and affects nearly 30 million people each year. There are a number of ways to determine the degree of functional impairment, which informs diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. A clinician should be familiar with the f...

Symptoms of Heart Disease

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  Heart disease refers to a variety of heart-related conditions. Heart conditions like: Heart valve disease of the heart muscle Disease of the blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease Arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, and congenital heart defects are all forms of heart disease that can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. The symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the type. Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels coronary artery disease is typically brought on by plaques, or deposits, of cholesterol in the heart's arteries. Atherosclerosis refers to the formation of these plaques. Blood flow to the heart and other organs is reduced by atherosclerosis. Angina, chest pain, or a stroke are all possible outcomes. The signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease may differ between men and women. Men, for example, are more ...

Type 2 diabetes

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  Measuring the level of glucose in the blood to make a diagnosis of diabetes is diagnosed when a person has abnormally high levels of glucose in their blood. People who are at risk for developing diabetes but do not exhibit any symptoms undergo screening tests. Did You Know? Type 2 diabetes affects many people but they are unaware of it. Measurement of blood glucose Symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst, urination, or hunger, are monitored by physicians. In addition, patients with conditions that may be diabetes complications, such as frequent infections, foot ulcers, and yeast infections, may have their blood glucose levels measured. A blood sample taken after people have fasted for the night is typically used by doctors to accurately measure blood glucose levels. If fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, diabetes can be diagnosed. However, blood samples taken after a person has eaten can be used. It is normal for blood glucose levels to...

Types of diabetes

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  Types of diabetes Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are too high to be categorized as diabetes but not too high to be considered normal. If a person's fasting blood glucose level is between 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) and 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L) or if their blood glucose level is between 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) and 199 mg/dL (11.0 mmol/L) two hours after a glucose tolerance test, they have prediabetes. A higher risk of heart disease and diabetes in the future is associated with prediabetes. Through diet and exercise, a person's risk of developing diabetes can be significantly reduced. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in the permanent destruction of more than 90% of those cells. Type 1 diabetes was previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. As a result, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all. Type 1 diabetes affects only 5 to...