25.02 Important Dysfunctions of the Blood System

There are a number of pathophysiological conditions associated with dysfunctions of the circulatory system (see Figure at end of this eChapter). The major problems are thrombosis (the formation of an unwanted clot within the blood vessels or heart), uncontrolled bleeding (as a result of a disease or injury) and anaemia (caused by disease or nutritional deficiencies). Other problems that can arise include cancers associated with components of the circulatory system (for example, leukaemia, lymphoma), diseases resulting in reduced or increased functioning of the immune system (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus) and hyperlipidaemias. These are covered elsewhere.