Cardiovascular system
If you'd like to discuss any worries or symptoms related to your heart and blood vessels, a Livi GP can help.
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What is your cardiovascular system?
The cardiovascular system is made up of your heart and blood vessels. Every day the heart pumps around 7,500 litres of blood through your veins and arteries.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death around the world. Keeping active, maintaining a healthy diet and not smoking are great ways to look after your heart.
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Angina
Angina is chest pain that’s caused by a lack of blood flowing to the heart. We explain the signs and symptoms and how they can be controlled.
Aortic aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm happens when part of the aorta – the body’s largest blood vessel – gets weak and swells up. Read about abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic aneurysms and how they can affect you.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition that affects your blood vessels and often your blood flow. Learn about the symptoms, causes and possible complications.
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where you have an unusually high and irregular heartbeat which may cause palpitations. Read about the signs and when to see a doctor.
Blood clot (thrombosis)
A blood clot consists of congealed blood that blocks the flow of blood in a vessel somewhere in the body. They often form in the legs, but can also occur, for example, in blood vessels that supply the lungs or heart. Blood-thinning medicines are used to prevent and treat blood clots. You should always get medical help, regardless of where a blood clot may form, as large clots can be life-threatening. Call 112 or 999 if you or anyone near you has sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pains or signs of a stroke, which is a blood clot in the brain.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that alters the makeup of the heart muscle and makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the body. Read about the different types of cardiomyopathy and how they can affect you.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a term for many conditions that affect your heart or blood vessels and circulation. Find out about the different types and causes.
Chest pain
Most chest pain isn’t serious but it’s best to get checked out. Read on to find out about possible causes and treatments. Find out about causes and symptoms. If you think you’re having a heart attack, dial 999.
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a term for a range of heart problems that are present from birth. Read about why it happens and the main signs and symptoms.
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is when heart vessels become blocked, leading to chest pain. In some cases, this can progress and develop into more serious conditions, such as a heart attack. Discover the symptoms and treatment available.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in the body, usually the leg, which can be dangerous. Find out more about the symptoms and when to seek medical help.
Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a rare condition where your blood doesn’t clot properly. This can lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding that’s difficult to stop. Find out the key symptoms, causes and available treatment.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked. Read on to find out what to do in this kind of medical emergency.
Heart block
Heart block is a condition where the heart beats more slowly or with an irregular rhythm, caused by a problem in your heart’s electrical system. Find out about the different types of heart block and how it’s treated.
Heart failure
Heart failure means that the heart is too weak or stiff to pump blood around the body efficiently. Find out why it happens and what changes you can make to your lifestyle to have a positive impact on your heart health.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the medical word for high blood pressure. It’s a common condition that puts pressure on your arteries and forces the heart to work harder. Read about the causes of hypertension and what it means to your health.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is a condition that increases your risk of heart problems. It’s very common and most people don’t have any symptoms. Read on to learn about how to manage it.
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure, medically called hypotension, is when you have a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not mean there’s a problem, but it could be the result of another condition. Learn the symptoms and how to manage it
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardial sac, which surrounds the heart. It can be managed but it does need urgent medical attention. Discover the symptoms and how it’s diagnosed
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that restricts the blood supply to the legs, often causing pain in the legs. Find out what causes it and how it's treated.
Phlebitis
Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein near the skin’s surface. It’s usually nothing to worry about – read more about the symptoms and causes.
Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects circulation in areas such as your fingers and toes. It’s most noticeable in the winter months when temperatures become generally colder but it can also happen when you are anxious. Read on for advice on managing this condition.
Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, usually due to a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. Read about how to spot the signs of a stroke and when to get help.
Transient ischaemic attack
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is the equivalent of a mini stroke, where blood flow is temporarily blocked from the brain. Find out the key signs, what happens to the body after and how to reduce your risk.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins usually affect the legs and feet – they are swollen, twisted veins that may be bulgy or lumpy and blue or dark purple. Find out more about the symptoms and what treatment is available.