Abstract
This paper answers a number of specific questions about the cardiovascular system, some of them structural, but many of them tracing blood flow paths through the body. A discussion of the systemic, pulmonary, and fetal circulations is included as well.

From the Paper
"The pulmonary circulation takes de-oxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs where it is re-oxygenated and returned to the left atrium. From here it passes into the left ventricle. The systemic circulation pumps blood from the left ventricle out to the rest of the body where it delivers oxygen to the tissues and picks up carbon dioxide for discharge from the body by the lungs. It returns the de- oxygenated blood to the right atrium. From here the blood passes into the right ventricle and into the..."

Tags:cardiovascular system, pulmonary circulation, fetal citculation

Abstract
This paper explains that the heart is a pump responsible for maintaining adequate circulation of oxygenated blood around the vascular network of the body. The author points out that the two main coronary arteries, the left and right coronary arteries, lie in sulci running over the surface of the myocardium, covered over by the epicardium, and have many branches that terminate in arterioles, supplying the vast capillary network of the myocardium. The author believes that, while diseases of this system are common, most of the risk factors are related to lifestyle habits and, thus, are modifiable.

From the Paper
"Cardiovascular disease includes dysfunctional conditions of the heart, arteries, and veins that supply oxygen to vital life-sustaining areas of the body like the brain, the heart itself, and other vital organs. If oxygen doesn't arrive the tissue or organ will die. Ischemic heart disease is the term for obstruction of blood flow to the heart. This disorder results because excess fat or plaque deposits narrow the veins that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Excess buildup of fat or plaque is respectively termed arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Equally significant would be inadequate oxygen flow to the brain, which causes a stroke."

Tags:diseases, risks, arteries, myocardium, pump

Abstract
The paper outlines the basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, namely, the heart and blood vessels. The paper describes heart disease, including its causes, diagnosis and treatments.

Outline:
Cardiovascular System
Heart Pathology and Diagnosis

From the Paper
"The cardiovascular system is comprised of the heart and the blood vessels which carry blood to and fro from it to the various organs of the body. The heart itself is made up of a special kind of muscular tissue which is unique in structure as well as function which imparts to it the capability of a powerful pump which beats incessantly throughout life. Any abnormality or failure results in disease or death respectively. The mammalian heart has similar structure and functions and its size is proportional to the overall body size of the species. The human heart is approximately the size of a closed fist and it lies on the left side of the thoracic cavity in front of the lungs (case.edu). It is almost triangular in shape and the powerful muscular structure visible from outside encloses four chambers with explicit functional capabilities. The upper two chambers are the atria and the lower two larger chambers are called ventricles. The blood vessels emanating from the heart which carry blood to other organs are called arteries and the vessels which bring blood from the distant organs are called veins."

Tags:heart, arteries, veins, atria, ventricles, valves, blood, supply

Abstract
This paper discusses the topic of cardiovascular disease. The paper looks at how exercise affects the cardiovascular system in a positive way and how exercise also positively affects aging, obesity and the muscular and respiratory systems. The author states that scientists, researchers and physicians complete studies every year on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and consistently, these studies show exercise can play an important part in reducing the instance of cardiovascular disease.

From the Paper
"Exercise should be an important part of everyone's life, because it is simply good for everyone. It is well known, even among sedentary Americans, that exercise has a positive affect on the heart and lungs, and it can improve heart health. Many physicians and experts acknowledge that aerobic exercise is extremely effective in promoting heart health. These doctors note, "This would appear also to be the case in understanding the relationship between reactivity and aerobic fitness. One of the consequences of aerobic-exercise training is a reduction in resting heart rate and blood pressure" (McCabe, Schneiderman, Field, & Wellens, 2000, p. 197). Reducing the heart rate and blood pressure leads to better cardiovascular health, and can help, along with a healthy diet, maintain this cardiovascular health throughout life."

Tags:exercise, diabetes, heart, rate, cardiovascular

Abstract
This essay examines the psychological characteristics and psychosocial factors associated with, or causative of, cardiovascular disease. The essay also addresses some models like the cardio reactivity model, psychoneuroimmunology, the role of the sympathetic nervous system in cardiovascular disease, and the HPA axis. The association of certain psychosocial risk factors such as depression leading to medical non-compliance is also dealt with.

Outline:
Introduction
Psychological Factors Associated With or Causative of Cardiovascular Disease
Psychosocial Factors
Cardio Reactivity Model
Psychoneuroimmunology
The Involvement of the Sympathetic Nervous System
The HPA Axis
Association of Psychosocial Risk Factors with Certain Health Behaviors
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Psychological risk factors for coronary syndromes belong to three categories. These include: chronic, episodic, and acute psychological risk factors (Kop, 1999). Chronic psychological risk factors (like hostility) lead to a gradual progression of coronary artery disease. The temporal relation to coronary syndrome is 10 years and the associated cardiovascular risks include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and increased sympathetic activation. The pathophysiology involves sympathetic activity and elevated lipids. The primary pathological result is atherosclerosis (Kop, 1999).
"Psychological risk factors, which occur episodically (like exhaustion) have a duration, which lasts from few months to two years and can occur again. The temporal relation to coronary syndrome is 2 years and the associated cardiovascular risks include increased blood clotting and inflammation, and a shift of sympatho-vagal balance. The pathophysiology involves sympatho-vagal imbalance, neurohormonal changes, and a procoagulant state. The primary pathological result is altered homeostasis (Kop, 1999)."

Tags:cardiovascular, coronary, stroke, hypertension, artery, congenital, rheumatic, thrombosis, pulmonary, embolism, heart, failure, exercise, smoking, sedentary, diet, chronic, episodic, acute, stressors, depression, maladaptation

Abstract
"The paper discusses cardiovascular health, highlighting in brief the five basic cardiac systems: coronary arteries, peridardium, myocardium, endocardium and cardiac conductive system. The paper further examines the associated pathologies and NYHA classifications, and the psychological and vocational counseling implications for each of the cardiac categories presented.

From the Paper
"Much can be said about cardiovascular health. As one of the leading causes of death and disability in both men and women, cardiovascular disease must be understood by those at risk, current patients and those in the health profession or allied helping professions seeking to offer assistance. Cardiovascular disease is often a silent killer that can strike without warning. It is often cited as the number one cause of death in men and women in the US. Reyes (2005) states that "at any given time, there are about 6 million Americans with symptoms of cardiovascular disease." "

Tags:cardiovascular, health, issues

Abstract
This paper examines the race-associated differences in health outcomes among African-American women with CVD (Cardiovascular Disease). The paper explains that African Americans suffer greater incidence of cardiovascular disease, and women women suffer cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease in greater numbers than men. The combination of the two: African-American women, suffer greater cardiovascular disease than the general population in the United States. The paper demonstrates that the above statements are true, and analyzes the causes for this discrepancy in cardiovascular diagnosis and care. The paper then looks at both the demographic as well as the socioeconomic and ethnological reasons for the difference in cardiovascular care. The paper also points out that women experience a greater amount of heart disease, and a lower level of treatment than men. This paper examines the reasons for that discrepancy as well.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Underlying Causes of Heart Disease
African-American Women and Heart Disease
Lifestyle, Heredity and Demographics
Differences in Medical Care
Differences in Demographics
Women's Lower Rate of CHD Treatment
African American Distrust of Physicians and the Medical System
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Although death from coronary heart disease (CHD) is declining for both African Americans and white Americans, the rates are declining faster for white Americans than their Black counterparts. According to the AHA, the incidence of deaths by whites from CHD has declined 46% and 40% for white men and women, respectively, while it has declined 33% and 27% for African American men and women respectively from 1979 to 2002 (AORN, 2002). The AHA posited that the lower decline in the death rate from CHD for African Americans was due primarily to heredity and life style habits."

Tags:coronary, artery, risk, health

Abstract
The paper describes the composition of the circulatory system. The paper explores the common disorders associated with the circulatory system; arterial damage, inflammation and blood clots, hypertension and arterial aneurysms. The paper identifies common procedures and treatment for these disorders. The paper reveals that one of the most pervasive forms of preventative treatment for cardiovascular disease is lifestyle modification, especially a change in diet. The paper details angioplasty, coronary artery bypasses and anti-hypertensives.

Outline:
Make Up of the Circulatory System
Common Disorders Associated with the Circulatory System
Common Procedures and Treatment for the Disorders Identified

From the Paper
"The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, has several functions. These functions include: the transport of substances to and from the cells, maintenance of body temperature, and maintenance of pH as part of homeostasis. The circulatory system of all vertebrates, including humans, is a closed system, meaning the blood is not meant to leave the system. The primary components of the system are the heart, blood and blood vessels ("Circulatory System")."

Tags:aneurysm, blood, vessels, arteries, veins, clots, stroke

Abstract
This paper studies descriptive epidemiology as it relates to the natural history of cardiovascular disease. It begins with an overview of descriptive epidemiology and its application to the heart followed by the presentation of a number of findings from the Bogalusa Heart Study of 1972 through 1997. The paper concludes with a look at new studies and techniques, which are based on the Bogalusa model. Included is the beta-cath system for radiating an artery wall.

Outline
Introduction
Problem Background
Findings
Conclusions and Summary

From the Paper
"At its simplest level, Epidemiology can be to have the description of the application of statistical methodologies to analyze the determinants of health and illness of a given population or sub-group within the population. This sort of analysis therefore has an application to the planning and evaluation of interventions and to the causation and prevention of illness. Moreover, as with most sciences Epidemiology presents itself in various formats and although the central role of Epidemiology within a department is to provide valid, reliable and appropriately interpreted data upon which decisions can be based, Epidemiology is usually divided, in a somewhat arbitrary manner along several lines. Our concern here however is with Descriptive Epidemiology as it relates to the epidemiology and natural history of Cardiovascular Disease."

Tags:cardiology, heart, attack, coronary, artery, blockage, Bogalusa, study, descriptive, beat-cath, radiate

From the Paper
"Physical Exercise and the Elderly
This research examines nursing information related to the importance of physical exercise for persons aged 65 years old and older. The target group among the population of persons 65 years old and older is comprised of ambulatory persons residing on an independent basis. The target group is further defined as predominantly middle-class with convenient access to retail shopping within an urban area with a total population approximating 40,000. Most people included in the target group are concerned about their own personal health, and desire to live life to the fullest. Members of the target group are able to join organized fitness programs.


A YMCA located in the urban area that is home to the target group offers physical fitness facilities and programs for elderly persons. "