The systemic circuit includes blood vessels that leave the left ventricle, distribute blood throughout the body, and return blood to the right atrium. The hepatic portal system begins with a set of capillaries leaving the small intestine with nutrient-rich blood from digestion, continues with the hepatic portal vein leading to the liver, and ends with the capillaries of the liver. Smoking, drug abuse, and obesity all lead to cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet and exercise can prevent cardiovascular disease. Diastolic pressure is the guideline for medical treatment.
Hypertension can lead to stroke or heart attack, and in some has a genetic basis.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque accumulation in arteries that begins in early adulthood. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits and vegetables minimizes plaque buildup. Certain families have a genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolemia. Angina pectoris, or pain in the chest and left arm, indicates a partial blockage of one of the coronary arteries. An aneurysm is a ballooning of a blood vessel, usually in the abdominal cavity.