Portal:Cardiovascular system/Intro

The cardiovascular system, also called the circulatory system or the vascular system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis. It also includes includes the lymphatic system, which circulates lymph.

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction resulting in orthostatic intolerance (e.g., postural orthostatic tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension), low blood volume, preload failure and other circulatory issues are all thought to contribute to the symptoms of ME. (more...)