Final answer:
Malaria, particularly caused by P. falciparum, destroys red blood cells, leading to severe anemia and increased blood flow resistance. The heart must work harder to pump blood, resulting in potential organ damage and increased cardiovascular strain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malaria is a disease caused by the parasitic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, with P. falciparum being the deadliest.
The parasite's life cycle involves destroying red blood cells (RBCs), which can have significant effects on blood flow and resistance.
When RBCs are destroyed, the body experiences a reduced ability to carry oxygen, leading to symptoms like anemia and fatigue.
Severe anemia can cause high blood flow resistance as the heart needs to work harder to pump the remaining oxygen-carrying blood through the body.
This increased workload on the cardiovascular system can lead to complications such as organ damage and increased heart strain.
The destruction of red blood cells leads to a build-up of cell fragments and parasite waste in the bloodstream, which can create blockages, increasing the resistance within blood vessels.
These blockages can slow blood flow, causing further complications such as tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen), necrosis of blood vessels, organ failure, and potentially death if not adequately treated.
Malaria's impact on the circulatory system highlights the importance of prompt treatment and preventative measures such as mosquito netting, antimalarial drugs, and vector control strategies to combat the spread of malaria.