Hand with surgical glove holding a clear, sealed tube three-quarters full of blood between forefinger and middle finger.

Circulatory and lymphatic systems

The circulatory and lymphatic systems run throughout the body and are closely linked. For example, both systems play a central – and often even joint – role in defending against pathogens and in vital metabolic processes. The disorders of the circulatory and lymphatic systems and their potential consequences are correspondingly diverse.

An older person putting on compression stockings

Thrombophilia

People with thrombophilia, or a tendency to form thromboses, are at an increased risk of developing blood clots. These can block blood vessels, which may be fatal. Blood clots require treatment.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis occurs when deposits build up on artery walls, narrowing them. It is also known as vascular calcification. It causes many cardiovascular diseases.

Woman lying on a couch supported on a few pillows. She is clutching her head and looks exhausted.

Anemia

Anemia is a shortage of the red blood pigment hemoglobin. Possible causes include an iron deficiency and blood loss. Read on to find out more about causes, treatment, and prevention.

Physiotherapist massaging a patient’s legs to get blocked lymph flowing.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph fluid cannot drain away properly and builds up. It is often caused by a cancer or cancer treatment.

Eine ältere Fau zieht sich einen Kompressionsstrumpf über ein Bein. Am anderen Bein ist bereits ein Strumpf

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.

Senile purpura

Bruising that occurs in the elderly without any major external impact is known as senile purpura. This article explains more about the risk factors and prevention options.

Gloved hand holding a Petri dish in which bacteria cultures are visible. More Petri dishes are standing on the table next to it.

Sepsis

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction of the body to infections. It needs to be treated very quickly in hospital.

HIV and AIDS

The HIV virus infects immune cells and weakens the immune system. The serious illnesses caused by HIV are called AIDS.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are uneven bluish veins. For most people, they are a cosmetic problem, but they can also lead to complications.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is caused by uncontrolled reproduction of immature white blood cells in the body. This is a serious disease that requires immediate medical treatment.

Akute myeloische Leukämie bei Erwachsenen: Ein Chirurg steht, in Operationskleidung, in einem Operationssaal. Vor ihm liegt ein abgedeckter Patient auf der Operationsliege. Mit einer Spritze wird ihm Knochenmark entnommen. Der Arzt überwacht den Vorgang.

Acute myeloid leukemia in adults

Acute myeloid leukemia is due to uncontrolled reproduction of immature blood cells in the bone marrow and body. It requires urgent treatment. Treatment in adults and children usually differs.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an “indolent” (slow-growing) form of lymphoma. In most cases there are no symptoms at the outset and it therefore is often detected by chance.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rare. About 2,500 people get it every year. The majority of those affected can now be cured.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Modern therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This article provides more information about the condition and its treatment.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a collective term for about 30 different malignant lymphomas. The exact type of lymphoma determines its treatment.

Varicocele

Varicose veins in the scrotum, also known as varicoceles, are not rare and can affect a man’s fertility.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a disease that causes problems with blood clotting. It makes the blood clot much more slowly than in healthy people. The more problems there are with clotting, the worse the symptoms.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food. Most cases are mild. However, some people may become seriously ill and can even die from listeriosis.

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that originates from plasma cells in the bone marrow. With modern therapies, multiple myeloma can usually be effectively treated.

Clotting (coagulation) disorders

Clotting (coagulation) disorders are characterized by excessive bleeding, but sometimes also a heightened risk of blood clots. Various forms of medication are used to treat more pronounced disorders.

A doctor examines a patient’s lower leg.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

People with PAD have restricted blood vessels in their legs or, in rarer cases, their arms. A typical symptom is pain when walking, which subsides again when resting.

A table with a range of foods that are rich in vitamin B, such as pulses, cheese, eggs, mushrooms, milk, nuts and liver.

Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin B is a group of eight vitamins, the most important of which are B1, B6, B9 (folate) and B12. Eating a balanced diet prevents a deficiency in these vitamins.

Person in a white coat palpating the bent calf of a patient lying on a treatment table.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis expresses itself as a painful, thickened blood vessel. The skin above the vessel is red. The symptoms disappear quickly again with appropriate treatment.