Diseases in the Circulatory System

Today we also talked about diseases and problems affecting the circulatory system. One of the main problems are blockages in small arteries. These plaques (atherosclerosis)are formed usually with fat or cholesterol. The fat builds up due to small microtears forming in the vessels. These also cause increased blood pressure. These microtears build up fat, which in turn traps more fat resulting in a positive feedback loop. In the heart, this can cause Heart Disease. Microtears form when blood pressure is too high from dehydrated blood (not enough water), high salt, and other causes.

Some plaques lead to blockages/clots. The cells below the clot will not get any oxygen. In the heart this leads to dead heart tissue. Here is a Khan Video about plaques, clots, and heart attack.