The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The heart has four chambers and uses electrical signals to contract in a rhythmic pattern to pump blood throughout the body. The autonomic nervous system and hormones regulate heart rate and function. Diseases that can affect the cardiovascular system include arrhythmias, congenital defects, degenerative conditions like heart disease or failure, inflammatory issues, and vascular or valvular disorders. Treatments involve drug therapies, surgeries like bypass or transplantation, and other procedures like stents, pacemakers, or defibrillation.