How the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together and deliver oxygen to the body. We take in oxygen from the environment through the process of breathing, also known as inhalation. As inhaled air enters the lungs, oxygen is absorbed through the alveoli, or air sacs, into the bloodstream. The blood vessels, which are a part of the cardiovascular system, help to transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs through the arteries to other parts of the body.

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We use oxygen to burn glucose and other sugars in the mitochondria to obtain energy in the form of ATPs. It is this that provides us with energy to work and for our bodily systems to function. (An adult inhales about 2300 liters of oxygen in a day and exhales about 1700). The heart pumps 7,500 litres of blood on the same day, which demonstrates the coordinated way the two systems work. 

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In this blog by Gauze, let us explore how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to deliver oxygen to the body. To understand teamwork, we must examine it individually.

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Why are your heart and lungs the perfect partners?

While the lungs exchange gases, the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to deliver it; both processes work in synchrony. It is how the two systems meet to complement each other.

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The respiratory system

Before we begin, it is essential to understand the functions of the respiratory system. The main function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the body cells and get rid of carbon dioxide (a waste product). It does this by exchanging air through the process of breathing in and out.

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Functions of the respiratory system

• Warms and adds moisture to the air we breathe
• It protects our body from particles that we may breathe in
• It allows us to talk and to smell
• Helps maintain acid-base balance in the body by removing carbon dioxide in the blood

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Cardiovascular system

The heart moves blood through our body through arteries that deliver it to organs and tissues. In the tissues, the blood is exchanged by a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Capillaries are the most suitable site for gas exchange as they are only one cell thick.

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The blood travels from the heart to the lungs to be oxygenated, then repeats the process. It happens several times with each heartbeat.

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Functions of the cardiovascular system

• It moves blood throughout the body
• Brings oxygen and nutrients to organs, muscles, and tissues
• Removes waste products like carbon dioxide and other chemical byproducts

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Working of the cardio-respiratory system

Creating energy from the burning of food we eat releases carbon dioxide as a waste product. The respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide from them.

• As we breathe in oxygen from the air, the diaphragm, located below the lungs, contracts, creating more space in the chest. It pulls air into the lungs. 
• The oxygen in the alveoli binds to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells of the blood. It is then transported to the body tissues through the circulatory system's network.
• With every beat, the heart sends blood to the body. 
• On the right side, the heart takes deoxygenated blood and sends it to the lungs for oxygenation. 
• After it is oxygenated, it is sent to the left side of the heart, from where it is pumped to the kidneys, liver, brain, and all other parts of the body. 

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Cardiac cycle and blood vessels.

Every heartbeat is a cycle of filling (diastole) and pumping (systole). In systole, the left ventricle pushes blood into the aorta, which branches into arteries and smaller arterioles. These vessels narrow into capillaries where oxygen leaves the blood and enters the tissues.

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Carbon dioxide waste moves the opposite way. The veins carry deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart and pump it to the lungs for oxygenation. This loop ensures our cells never run out of oxygen.

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Why does the cardiorespiratory connection matter?

The heart and lungs are not only present in the chest cavity together, but their functions are also intertwined.

• A coordinated effort supplies all organs and tissues with  oxygen for their functions
• Both systems are interdependent, as the lungs affect the heart and vice versa.
• Maintaining the health of both heart and lungs is essential for our well-being.

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What happens when the heart and lung partnership fails?  

The two systems are so interdependent that when a problem occurs in one, it often causes bigger problems in the other.

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Heart failure occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough oxygenated blood to the body. It causes shortness of breath and strain on the lungs.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes obstructions in the airways, which leads to the thickening of the respiratory passages. Consequently, it becomes hard for oxygen to travel in and out of the lungs. As a result, the blood pressure rises and pulmonary hypertension occurs, putting strain on the right side of the heart and causing it to fail.

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Common symptoms of cardiorespiratory problems are

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swollen legs
• Fatigue

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Keeping the heart and lungs healthy

Lifestyle changes can significantly impact the health of the heart and lungs, which, in turn, affect our overall well-being.

• Quitting smoking: Smoking narrows down the lung passages and makes it difficult for us to breathe. As a result, less oxygen is available to the lungs and blood. Smoking destroys lung tissue permanently.
• Exercising regularly: When we are physically active, our heart and lungs work harder to deliver extra oxygen to our muscles. Aerobic or strength exercises make the lungs and the heart stronger. With increasing physical fitness, our bodies can transport more oxygen into the blood.
• Eating healthy: We must consume the right mix of nutrients for a healthy heart and lungs, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.

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Reducing salt intake decreases blood pressure, thereby reducing the strain on the heart. The intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the inflammation in the arteries and heart.

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In patients with COPD, the lungs are less efficient at removing carbon dioxide. Therefore, if a patient consumes a carbohydrate-rich diet, more carbon dioxide is produced, and the lungs work harder to expel it, which exacerbates the breathing problem. On the other hand, fat metabolism produces less carbon dioxide. And so there is less strain on the lungs.

• Reducing stress: Stress hormones can hurt the heart and lungs. It increases the heartbeat and causes rapid, shallow breathing. Practicing relaxation techniques and mindful breathing helps the body respond better.
• Sleeping sufficiently: A lack of sleep impacts all bodily functions, leaving us feeling stressed. It is essential to sleep 7 to 9 hours at night.

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Conclusion

The respiratory system facilitates the exchange of gases with the alveoli in the lungs,  increasing the surface area for gas exchange. The circulatory system, a closed system with double circulation, transports blood through both the lungs and the body. The heart has two pumps that move blood through the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Together, the heart and the lungs work in synchrony to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. It is this partnership that maintains our well-being and sustains life.