Diseases and Genetic Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Diseases and Genetic Disorders - Essay Example Unfortunately there are many different factors that can affect the functionality of the system; ranging from our family history, to the environment that we live in. That is why it is important to be aware of our surroundings, and environmental factors. It is also very imperative that we pay attention to what our body systems are telling us. For example if one begins to experience unexplainable pain, or notice a lump in an area that does not go away, then it becomes important to get a check up and to see what is causing the problem. Many look over the warning signs and they get to the point of experiencing so much pain, or to the point where they notice that something is not right, then it is too late, and there is nothing that can be done to reverse what has occurred within the particular system. Our Cardiovascular system is one of the systems that are very important to paying close attention to what we are feeling. Our cardiovascular system is also known as the circulatory system. Our heart is within the system, which is responsible for pumping the blood throughout our bodies. The heart is a muscle that is about the size of one's fist. If the heart is not functioning properly then there will be problems with the other systems within the body. There are multiple problems that can occur with the heart. Some can be genetic and present at birth while other conditions can occur as we live from day to day. Carotid Artery disease is one of the heart diseases that can occur. We have two arteries on either side of our neck, and they are called our carotid arteries. The function of these two arteries is to take blood that is rich in oxygen outside the heart and to bring blood to the frontal section of one's brain, which is responsible for such things as thought, speech, who we are, s enses and motor skills. When you place your hands on either side of your neck, the pulsation that you feel is from your carotid artery. Another function of these arteries is to create deposits which contain fat and cholesterol. The scientific term for these deposits is plaque. As time passes the plaque begins to collect on the arteries, and as a result the amount of blood that is able to pass through the arteries decreases and the amount of blood that is able to get to the brain also decreases, and can result in a stroke. A stoke can occur is the artery becomes too narrow for blood to pass through, if some of the plaque breaks off and enters into the blood stream and travels to the brain, or if a lump forms, also called a clot, and the clotted artery has already become narrow. It has been discovered that one with carotid artery disease can also become susceptible due to a family history. Other factors are how old you are, rather or not one smokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol problems. If ones notices and pays attention to the signs of carotid artery disease and seeks treatment in time then there are various steps that can be taken to keep carotid artery disease from having a bad end. Some of the treatments are changing one's lifestyle, such as completely stop smoking, and take control of diabetes and high blood pressure, by taking medications and watching one's diet. There are also various medications that can be taken, as well as treatments that can be done by the patient's doctor.