Circulatory failure - causes and signs of circulatory failure

Depending on the element of the circulatory system that causes the failure, the following forms of the disorder can be distinguished:

• heart failure;
• vascular failure.

The specifics of the course of the disease allow it to be classified into two basic types:

• acute form;
• chronic form.

Within the second (chronic) form, specialists distinguish several stages. At the first stage, the patient may not notice the manifestations of the disease, but the ability to work is significantly reduced. The second stage includes type "A", characterized by the occurrence of basic signs at rest, and type "B" - the main factor in the patient's disability. The last stage - dystrophic - indicates a complete loss of the ability to perform any activity.

Causes

Often the cause is another disease, and this disorder is either a symptom or a consequence. The factors influencing the development of such a condition are different.

Thus, the main causes are: low amount of oxygen necessary for normal functionality; ischemic heart disease; physiological abnormalities in the structure of the anatomical valves; inflammation caused by infection; various hormonal imbalances; alcohol or drug addiction; diabetes.

If we talk about the vascular type of disorder, then it is caused by various damage to the veins and arteries. Thus, the pathology can be provoked by mechanical impact (trauma), infection, loss of large amounts of blood or severe burns.

Symptoms

The specificity of the manifestation of the disease in the early stages greatly complicates the diagnostic process, so it is very difficult to detect the presence of a disorder of functions during a routine examination.

The main clinical manifestations include:

• tachycardia, accompanied by the so-called sensations of the heart - a person feels the contractions of the myocardium;
• shortness of breath, which becomes permanent as it progresses;
• cough, wheezing;
• painful liver due to its enlargement;
• cyanosis (the appearance of cyanosis in certain areas of the skin and mucous membrane).

Initially, circulatory failure manifests itself only during significant physical exertion - the patient develops symptoms such as increased heart rate and shortness of breath. When the body comes to rest, the signs "disappear".

Diagnostics

For an accurate diagnosis and differentiation of symptoms, you should consult a general practitioner, who will then be able to correctly coordinate the patient and refer him for a consultation with a cardiologist or vascular surgeon.

For diagnostic purposes, a cardiologist examines the patient and studies his medical history in detail. Some indicators may indicate not only heart problems, so establishing factors and making a clear diagnosis is of particular importance. The following diagnostic methods can be used: stress test, blood test (in particular oximetry), ultrasound, ECG, Doppler tomography, etc.

Treatment

A mandatory point in the treatment algorithm is the elimination of the underlying cause that led to the development of these symptoms. At mild stages, to eliminate them and restore normal blood flow, only rest and a course of general strengthening drugs are required. In more serious cases, special drugs are prescribed, sometimes restrictions in movement, diet and a decrease in the amount of fluid consumed are required.

Prevention

The bulk of preventive measures that experts talk about are aimed at preventing the development of common symptoms. The complex of such measures necessarily includes proper nutrition, a correct rest and work regimen, moderate physical activity, and avoidance of infectious diseases.