Cardiovascular disorders affect the heart and blood vessels and are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These disorders impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistent elevation of arterial blood pressure. It may be primary (essential) or secondary to other diseases.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by deposition of lipid plaques in arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow.
Ischemic heart disease occurs due to reduced blood supply to the myocardium, commonly caused by coronary artery obstruction.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) results from prolonged ischemia leading to necrosis of cardiac muscle tissue.
Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body.
Arrhythmias are disorders of heart rhythm caused by abnormal impulse generation or conduction.
Understanding cardiovascular disorders helps pharmacists in selecting antihypertensives, antianginal drugs, anticoagulants, and other cardiovascular medications.