The heart beats day and night, pumping blood throughout the entire body. Together with the blood vessels, it forms the cardiovascular system. This system supplies organs, muscles, and tissues with oxygen and nutrients and removes metabolic waste products.
The heart, circulatory system, blood pressure, and blood vessels are closely interconnected. If one of these areas becomes unbalanced, it can also affect other parts of the system. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.
The heart is a powerful muscle. Through its regular pumping action, it keeps the blood circulating. The blood vessels form an extensive network that reaches nearly every part of the body.
Different types of blood vessels perform different functions:
Blood pressure ensures that blood can flow through the blood vessels and reliably supply the body.
How does the heart work? What are the functions of arteries and veins? And how is blood pressure generated?
On the Cardiovascular System page, we explain the basic processes in a clear and concise way. You’ll learn more about:
The structure and function of the heart
The circulatory system responds to movement, rest, heat, hydration, and stress.
Blood pressure also fluctuates throughout the day. Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or heart palpitations can have various causes and should be investigated if they occur repeatedly.
On the "Circulation & Blood Pressure" page, you'll find information on:
The heart performs vital work throughout a person's entire life.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, rest, and not smoking can help support the cardiovascular system over the long term.
The Heart Health page covers topics such as:
Blood vessels must be strong and elastic at the same time.
They carry blood throughout the body and are essential for ensuring a reliable supply to the organs.
Various factors can affect vascular health. These include, among others, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, smoking, lack of physical activity, diet, body weight, and prolonged stress.
On the Vascular Health page, you can learn more about:
Many factors that affect the heart and blood vessels can be influenced through everyday choices. It’s not about perfection, but about habits that can be sustained over the long term.
Cardiovascular diseases affect both women and men. However, symptoms may be perceived differently or manifest differently.
During menopause, hormonal balance changes. As a result, issues such as blood pressure, blood lipids, body weight, and vascular health come into sharper focus. Women should therefore take symptoms such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pressure, or sudden feelings of discomfort seriously and seek medical evaluation.
Hawthorn (Crataegus) has traditionally been closely associated with heart and circulatory health. In the Medicinal Plant Encyclopedia, you can learn more about the plant’s botany, active ingredients, and traditional uses.
Symptoms related to the heart and circulatory system should be taken seriously. A medical evaluation is especially important in the following cases:
If you experience severe, sudden, or alarming symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
How the heart, blood vessels, blood pressure, and circulation work together.
What exercise, diet, rest, and preventive care mean for the heart.
Low and high blood pressure, dizziness, and circulatory problems explained in an easy-to-understand way.
What puts a strain on blood vessels and what a heart-healthy lifestyle might look like.
