11.1-11.25
In this week’s chapter reading, the topics that are discussed are cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes. As the chapter begins, CVD is thoroughly gone over is depth. CVD is known as a variety of different diseases that affect that heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is comprised of the connections between organs and blood vessels through which the blood is pumped through. Included in this system is the heart, arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, and capillaries. The heart consists of four chambers, where blood is pumped from the atria (upper chambers) into the ventricles (lower chambers). The blood is received by the atria as deoxygenated blood and it goes through the heart via ventricles; exists the aorta as oxygenated blood through the rest of the body’s blood vessels.
Types of CVD
The major types of CVD are hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Hypertension is defined as having high blood pressure, which is known to be a pressure of 130/80 millimeters or greater. The most common form of blood pressure is isolated systolic hypertension, and is usually found in older Americans. High blood pressure can lead to heart/vessel damage, risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and many other issues. Treatment includes weight loss, reduced sodium intake and alcohol, relaxation techniques, exercise, and proper sleep schedule.
Another disease is atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), which is the build up of wastes, cholesterol, or fatty substances in arteries. Plaque build up can reduce blood flow in an artery and can lead to a heart attack. Reduction of blood and oxygen supply is also known as ischemia. Treatment for this condition is the usage of drugs that reduce plaque build up, surgery on vessels, and lifestyle changes as well.
Coronary heart disease is the highest in CVD deaths and is otherwise known as a heart attack. The medical term for a heart attack is a myocardial infarction, and is brought on by a blockage of the heart from a coronary thrombosis. A thrombosis of this kind is a clot found in a coronary artery and prevents normal blood and oxygen supply.
A stroke, otherwise known as a cerebrovascular accident, is when blood flow is interrupted to the brain leading to oxygen deprivation. Blood vessel disorders that can lead to a stroke are a thrombus, embolus, hemorrhage, and aneurysm. A thrombus is a clot that blocks the flow of blood in a vessel. Embolus is a clot that is dislodged in a vessel then becomes lodged in a narrowed vessel. A hemorrhage is the bursting of a vessel, resulting in the disruption of surrounding tissues. Lastly, an aneurysm is a bulge on a vessel, that can weaken it in general. Treatments includes quitting smoking, the use of statins to reduce cholesterol, and reduction of fats in one’s diet.
Other forms of CVD’s
Other types of CVD are known as angina pectoris, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, congenital cardiovascular defect, and rheumatic heart disease. Angina pectoris is caused by disrupted oxygen flow in the heart resulting in chest pains. Arrhythmias are an irregular heart beat by the discoordination of electrical impulses to the heart. Congestive heart failure is when the heart is damaged and can not pump enough blood to body tissues. Congenital cardiovascular disease occurs at birth and consists of murmurs of the heart, which are relatively minor. There is also rheumatic heart disease that proceeded by inflammation or an infection that can affect connective tissues of the heart, joints, brain, or skin.
Cancer
Cancer is defined as the out of control growth of abnormal cells. The types of cancers are carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias. Carcinomas are cancers that cover epithelial tissues and are observed on the outer layer of skin. Sarcomas are affect the middle layers of tissue, which are usually the bone, muscles, and most connective tissue. Lymphomas are cancers that affect the lymphatic system. Hodgkin’s disease is a common cancer of this kind. Leukemias are commonly in the bone marrow or the spleen, and are usually an abnormal increase of white blood cells. Risks of cancer include tobacco use, nutrition, genetics, inflammatory risks, and environmental situations. Treatments of cancer vary from surgical, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Diabetes
Diabetes or diabetes mellitus, is a variety of diseases that are commonly known as the high levels of glucose in the human body. The pancreas in the human body produces the hormone insulin, which activates cells to take up glucose in the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin and glucose is not removed from the bloodstream. Adolescent or children are more commonly seen with this type. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent and is when insulin is non existent or are not effective. Risks of diabetes can be genetics, diet, and socioeconomic level. Symptoms include extreme thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, etc. Treatments are an insulin pump, insulin injections, and diet changes.
Week 11 Reflection
For my reflection of my week’s progress, I did complete 2 yoga sessions, and I’ve also started to record how many times each week I do this. Keeping track of my workouts or yoga sessions, puts in perspective how much I’m achieving and what I need to adjust each week. My anxiety is definitely at a much stable balance if I incorporate yoga or any other form of meditation. I’ve also incorporated a lot more fiber into my diet, such as whole wheat pasta or Ezekiel bread. I love carbs, so the substitution does suffice those cravings. For this weeks reading in relation to me, I don’t know of any family members that have suffered from diabetes. Cancer though was found on father, but was not severe thankfully and has been taken care of. I’ve also taken into account how I should keep up with my healthy diet and good carbs, just by how pervasive Type 2 Diabetes are. I know obesity has run through my family, although I’m not aware of any diabetic members.
References
Donatelle, R. J. (2019). My health. New York: Pearson.
Kim's Health Journey 