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Cardiovascular system

The heart is a muscular, hollow organ located in the left chest. It pumps blood through the arteries and veins of the circulatory system. Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease can greatly impair our performance and quality of life. Acute cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes are the most common causes of death in Germany.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins. The possible symptoms include tenderness, red skin or lower leg swelling.

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Stroke

During a stroke some of the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This causes sudden severe headaches, paralysis or slurred speech.

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Heart attack

A heart attack is where a coronary artery becomes completely blocked so that part of the heart muscle is no longer receiving enough oxygen. Without immediate treatment there is an acute risk of death.

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Coronary heart disease

With a coronary heart disease (CHD), the major blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen are constricted. Shortness of breath and chest pain are possible symptoms.

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High blood pressure (hypertension)

Many people have high blood pressure. But it often goes unnoticed for a long time. Having blood pressure that is always too high increases the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or kidney problems.

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Atrial fibrillation

If the heart beats too fast and palpitations frequently occur, this can be due to atrial fibrillation. The condition is not immediately life-threatening but can increase the likelihood of a stroke.

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Angina (angina pectoris)

Angina pectoris produces sudden, sharp pain in the chest. The pain may occur in connection with physical exertion or stress but also when the body is at rest.

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Atrioventricular block (AV block)

A cardiac arrhythmia like AV block is one reason for the heart to beat very slowly. It is caused by impaired conduction of electrical impulses in the heart. Read on for more information.

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Non-specific physical disorders (functional somatic syndromes)

Many people experience persistent somatic symptoms with no clear medical cause. Functional somatic syndromes can be caused by stress and conflict.

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Heart palpitations (due to paroxysmal atrial tachycardia)

Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia is when a person's heart suddenly beats very fast. It lasts for a few minutes and stops again just as quickly. The episodes are not necessarily dangerous.

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Cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmias are common, especially in older people and in people with other heart problems. They don’t always need treatment.

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Heart failure

In people with heart failure, the heart isn't able to pump enough blood around their body. Common signs are shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and exhaustion.

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High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)

Health professionals speak of “hypercholesterolemia” when cholesterol levels in the blood are too high. Too high levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack often precedes a stroke. A TIA happens when part of the brain no longer gets enough blood supply. The symptoms are paralysis, visual impairment and slurred speech.

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