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Diseases can be Treated

Heart & Circulatory Disease

Diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system are the leading cause of death, both within the and abroad. These conditions are often caused by the accumulation of scar tissue within the cardiac muscle, either through an acute event such as a myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack), or through progressive deterioration caused by hypertension, blockage or viral or bacterial infection.

Regardless of cause, most cardiovascular diseases involve diminished function, with damage or deterioration of the cardiac muscles or blood vessels. Damaged cardiac tissues do not regenerate. Most diseases of the heart are therefore considered to be non-reversible, degenerative conditions.

Hypertension

High levels of lipids (fat cell) and cholesterol in the bloodstream can thicken and narrow the inner walls of arteries, increasing blood pressure and potentially causing hypertension, or increased pressure throughout the cardiovascular system. This places increased demand upon the pumping capacity of the heart.

Coronary Artery Disease

High cholesterol and lipids can also generate "plaque" deposits inside blood vessels, which can block circulation entirely. If such blockages occur in the blood vessels of the heart itself (coronary artery disease), a heart attack (myocardial infarction) can follow. In addition, blockages in the arteries of the brain can cause a stroke.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF )

CHF is a form of heart disease in which the strength of the cardiac muscle declines until the heart's ability to pump blood is inadequate to meet the body's needs. As a result, the blood "backs up" (becomes congested) behind the heart. This results in a failure of the heart to distribute necessary oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, leading to a loss of 'energy', strength, and overall functionality. Over time, CHF may cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and/or body tissues. In addition, the poor blood supply may cause the body's organs to fail.

How CAD Can Cause CHF

The blockage of heart blood vessels associated with coronary heart disease can result in low blood and oxygen supply, causing death of the heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes). This often leads to impaired heart pumping action.

How a Heart Attack Can Cause CHF

Myocardial Infarction, or heart attack (MI or cardiac arrest), causes damage to the tissues of the heart. This may produce scar tissue within and around the heart walls. Scar tissue within the heart does not contract with the surrounding cardiac cells, reducing muscular strength and impeding proper functioning of the remaining heart tissue. This results in diminished pumping capacity.

Other Causes of CHF

Other common causes of CHF include high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic alcohol abuse, and disorders of the heart valves. Less common causes of CHF include viral or bacterial infection of the heart muscle, thyroid disorders and disorders of the heart rhythm. Several less prevalent triggers have also been observed.

Current Mainstream Treatment Options

The high mortality rate for patients diagnosed with CHF is evidence of the lack of effective treatment options. Most available treatments are palliative, merely reducing or alleviating symptoms. However, certain indications can be treated more effectively than others.

When CHF is caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, restoration of the blood flow through coronary artery surgery or catheter procedures (angioplasty, intracoronary stenting) may allow nutrients to reach the deprived tissues, effectively reversing the condition.

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