Pathophysiology of hypertension: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and aneurysm, and can also lead to kidney failure, vision loss, and cognitive decline….
An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart over time. It is one of the most commonly used investigations for assessing cardiac function. The electrical activity recorded by an ECG originates from the cardiac conduction system and spreads through the atria and ventricles, producing coordinated…
Regulation of Blood Pressure: Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels. It is a critical parameter in the circulatory system, influencing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of waste products. The regulation of blood pressure is a complex process involving multiple…
Cardiac output and the cardiac cycle are fundamental concepts in cardiovascular physiology, describing how the heart functions to pump blood throughout the body. Understanding these processes is crucial for assessing heart health and overall circulatory function. Cardiac Output (CO) Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, usually measured in…
Regulation of Heartbeat: The heartbeat is regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which maintains the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on the heart. This balance ensures that the heart rate and rhythm meet the body’s immediate needs, whether it’s the “fight or flight” response or the “rest and digest” state. Regulation of Heartbeat…
Elements of the Cardiac Conduction System: The cardiac conduction system is a highly specialized and intricate network of nodes, fibers, and pathways embedded within the heart’s muscular tissue. Its primary role is to generate and propagate electrical signals that precisely coordinate the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart chambers. This system ensures that the…
Blood vessels are a vital circulatory system component responsible for transporting blood throughout the body. They form a vast network of structures, from large arteries and veins to the smallest capillaries. Here is a comprehensive note on blood vessels, their types, functions, and significance in the circulatory system: See this post: Anatomy of the heart…
Circulation of Blood in the Heart: Blood circulation in the heart involves a complex and highly regulated process that allows blood to move efficiently, delivering oxygen and nutrients to body tissues while removing waste products. The heart plays a central role in this process, pumping blood to the lungs for oxygenation and the rest of…
Anatomy of the Heart: The human heart is the organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the vessels of the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. Pumping blood through the arteries, capillaries, and veins is the major function of the heart. It maintains a…