The Amazing Circulatory System
By Marie Nicolini, Rex Healthcare

Did you know that the circulatory system is one of the body’s most complex and important organs, containing over 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Composed of the heart, arteries, capillaries, veins, blood and blood vessels, not only does it circulate blood, but it also works as a filter system, sifting out waste while delivering oxygen and other nutrients.
           
As we age, the circulatory system changes in many ways. Some of the most frequent changes occur in the heart, blood vessels and the blood itself. The heart muscle cells deteriorate slightly and the valves inside the heart most often become thicker and stiffer making the heart work harder to pump blood. Blood vessels become less flexible and thicken which slows down blood flow, and blood volume decreases due to the normal decrease of water in our bodies.

Common Circulatory Diseases
Some common circulatory system diseases that we face as we age include cardiovascular diseases and diabetic vascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels.  Some of the more common forms include:

• heart failure
• coronary artery disease
• heart attack
• stroke
• high blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for more and more Americans each year, a startling trend in men’s and women’s health affecting all races, genders, and people as young as 35. Factors that increase your risk of a cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes.   
           
Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, occurring when there is a build up of plaque in the arteries. This build up can lead to a heart attack or angina. Angina is the result of blocked arteries due to insufficient flow of blood to the heart and is often times signaled by pain or a squeezing sensation in your chest. Approximately 7 million people in the United States suffer from angina with 400,000 new cases each year. 
           
Often times people make the mistake of thinking they are having a heart attack when they are only experiencing angina. Angina usually is most prevalent after heavy exercise, stress related, or after a meal. On the other hand, a heart attack can occur at any time during any activity. Angina discomfort usually lasts less than 20 minutes while a heart attack can go on for more that 20 minutes and often times can come and go. The cause of pain is also very different when it comes to angina verses a heart attack. A heart attack is the result of a complete blockage in the coronary artery resulting in no blood flow from the heart. Angina is the narrowing of the coronary artery so that there is limited amount of blood flow from the heart. 
           
Diabetic vascular disease is the hardening and possible blockage of the arteries in the body due to diabetes. Brought on by a build up of blood sugar or glucose, diabetics are five times more likely to have a stroke. Risks of having diabetic vascular disease are also increased by the length of time you have had diabetes, smoking, being overweight, and not exercising. Having diabetes can often times lead to other vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Some symptoms that may be related to vascular problems include: swelling of your face or limbs, pain in your legs while walking, high blood pressure, blurry vision, thirst, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and foot ulcers. Maintaining and controlling blood sugar levels is key in the prevention of this disease. Diet and medication are usually prescribed by doctors in the treatment of this disease. Check with your local doctor about which treatment is best for your personal health.

Gender Differences
When dealing with a heart attack, women’s and men’s warning signs often differ. Women’s signs/symptoms tend to be more subtle and hard to pinpoint. They may experience weakness when performing a simple day to day task. Often times heart disease is mistaken for mild indigestion, which may lead to it going undiagnosed until it is too late. The Women’s Heart Foundation states that 42 percent of women who have a heart attack may likely die within one year if not properly cared for, compared to only 24 percent for men. Less likely to believe they are having a heart attack, women usually delay emergency care which can lead to future problems. Men on the other hand, may have more of a major warning sign. Chest, arm, back, jaw, neck pain and discomfort are more distinct and can affect a male quicker than a woman. Men on the average experience heart attacks 10 years earlier than women, making the need for the best possible health as we age very essential. 
           
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and get to a hospital. If you receive the proper medical care with in one hour of a heart attack you have a significantly higher chance of survival than if you seek no medical attention.     

What You Can Do
Along with your doctor’s help there are many ways that you can keep your chances of heart disease down.  Regular checkups will keep you and your doctor up to date on your medical health and possibly catch any early warning signs of a potential problem.  Controlling your cholesterol so that it is at a healthy level will also benefit you as you age.  Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can be a precursor to staying fit and healthy and avoiding any problems down the line.  Keeping your diabetes in check will also help minimize your risk for any future problems.  With just a few simple tests from your doctor, you can lower your risks of any circulatory problems.  Not only will you feel healthier but you may lead a more satisfying activity filled lifestyle due to your improved health.
           
Most of the changes that will occur in our bodies as we age we cannot alter. Race, sex, and family history all play a factor when it comes to our health. Although these things contribute to your health status, there are many ways that we can help our body and circulatory system stay in its optimal shape. A few lifestyle changes that are recommended by doctors include:

• Quitting or limiting smoking and alcoholic beverages
• Knowing your blood pressure/cholesterol level
• Altering your diet to make it more nutritious. Include omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and antioxidants while controlling your intake of sodium, fat and cholesterol can also play a major role in keeping your body healthy
• Exercising regularly, at least three to four times a week to lower your changes of having circulatory problems

Approximately one million Americans die each year from cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association estimates that about 32 percent of cardiovascular deaths occur in people before the age of 75, likewise nearly 2,400 Americans will die each day. Keeping your circulatory system healthy as we age is one of the most important things you can do for you body because your healthy heart is going to beat over three billion times in your lifetime. 
           
“Idleness, smoking, hypertension and diabetes can be very destructive to a person’s cardiovascular health”, says Patrick Washko, coordinator of the Vascular Diagnostic Center at Rex Hospital. “What we see in the lab today is considerably different from 25 years ago and it is an alarming trend.”

Blood Types
By Marie Nicolini, Rex Healthcare

There is no substitute for human blood. That’s why blood donations are so extremely important everyday of the year. About one in five people entering a hospital will require a blood transfusion during their stay and as a result 4.5 million Americans are saved by blood transfusions each year.

Blood donations are in need at all times, but during busy times - there is an even greater need. The percentage of possible eligible donors out of any given population is only 60 percent. Out of that 60 percent, only five percent actually donate” says Carol Boyle, client representative at Rex Blood Services. “Every year donations drop during and immediately after the holidays. We do our best to organize blood drives in the area or get donors to come to our donor center with different promotions, but the need is always greater than the yield. I think people should realize that the need for blood never takes a holiday. There is always going to be a patient in the OR, a baby in the special care nursery or an accident victim in the ED who is depending on a blood transfusion and counting on it being there.”
           
Blood donations can be made once every eight weeks in as little at 30-45 minutes. Requirements for donating blood include that the donor be at least 17 years of age, in basic good health, weighing over 110 pounds and not currently taking any antibiotics.  
           
The need for and discovery of this lifesaving gift goes back a long way. In 1901, Austrian Karl Landsteiner made a scientific breakthrough when he discovered the four primary blood types.  Classified as type A, B, AB, or O this revelation would change the medical profession forever.
           
Up until the early 20th century, many doctors when trying to save a life often performed blood transfusions which ultimately lead to the death of their patients.  Puzzled by the number of deaths, Landsteiner took a closer look at the individual blood cells from a variety of patients.  After discovering the four types, his research showed that when a transfusion was performed and if the patient received a matching blood type to their own, their risk of survival was increasingly higher and thus, the birth of blood types. 
           
Blood type is inherited from your parents just like every other gene in your body. Before you are born your blood type is predetermined based on your parents blood types. 
           
The categorizing of blood types A, B, AB, and O are each letters that refer to a kind of antigen or protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If you are a type A, then you have A antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and B antibodies in your blood plasma. If you are a type B, then you have B antigens on your red blood cells and A antibodies in your plasma. If you are AB, then you have both A and B antigens and both A and B in your blood plasma. If you are blood type O, then you have neither A or B antigens but you do have both A and B antibodies in your plasma.
           
Blood types are also classified as being positive or negative. This classification is the RH factor, otherwise known as the Rhesus factor.  The RH factor, determines if your blood is positive or negative based on the type of antigen or proteins found or not found on the surface of your red blood cells. If you do not possess the RH antigen then you are considered a negative blood type, and if you do have the RH antigen then you are a positive blood type. 

Blood is one of the most important things your body naturally creates. Without it, oxygen and nutrients would not be able travel through your body to keep it healthy. For those whose health is already compromised by illness or because of an accident, blood donations are the only answer. Without blood donations, there would not be blood available. Without a safe and fresh blood supply patients in need would not survive.

Give the Gift of Life
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please call Rex Blood Services at 919.784.4750.


Marie Nicolini works in marketing at Rex Healthcare, 2500 Blue Ride Road, in Raleigh. 919.784.4538, www.rexhealth.com

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