It is only logical to follow on from cardiac disorders by looking at the major vascular problems – those caused by issues with the body’s circulation – that can occur. Click on the disorders below to read more.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Cholesterol is often regarded as the enemy of health, but it is in fact a really important chemical for the human body, essential for the building and maintenance of cells and transport of certain substances. However it is not very soluble in water, and so has to be incorporated into molecules called lipoproteins in order for it to be distributed round the body. There are two main types:

• Low density lipoproteins combine with cholesterol (when it is known as LDL cholesterol) to deliver it to the body’s cells. However, when the cells have all that they need, the remaining LDL cholesterol remains in the bloodstream and forms fatty deposits known as atherosclerotic plaques. These can build up and cause blood vessels to become narrow
• High density lipoproteins also combine with cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) but can help remove cholesterol from plaques that have formed in blood vessels. This is why LDL cholesterol is often regarded as bad while HDL cholesterol is regarded as good. Patients who undergo testing are given a breakdown of how much of each type they have in their bloodstream as well as a total cholesterol level.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the condition regarded as the leading risk factor worldwide for premature death, stroke and heart disease. As it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms and the only way to detect it is by having a blood pressure (BP) check:

• An ideal BP is regarded as being between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
• BP between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg is considered a sign that the person is at risk of developing hypertension
• A BP of 140/90mmHg or higher is generally diagnosed as hypertension.

High BP is a problem because it puts extra strain on the whole cardiovascular system as well as other organs, particularly the brain, kidneys and eyes. This puts patients at a higher risk of a whole range of conditions, from the cardiac problems described previously to vascular dementia and kidney disease.

There are many factors that seem to increase the risk of hypertension. Much like hypercholesterolaemia, some of these are fixed, such as ethnicity, age and family history, but others can be altered by making lifestyle changes. For example, getting to and maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruit and vegetables but less salt, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, stopping smoking, managing stress, and making sure exercise and sleep are at decent levels.

It is recommended that all adults over the age of 40 years have a BP check at least once every five years. This might be part of a medical appointment for something else, or as part of a general health check, but there are also many places – including community pharmacies – that will offer this as a stand-alone service. Some people like to carry out the check themselves, but it is important that they know how to use their monitor correctly.

Stroke is also a vascular disorder and will be discussed later in this module.