Ischemic heart disease is a medical
condition described by sporadic or restricted blood flow through
arteries in the heart muscle. These arteries cannot carry sufficient
oxygen to several areas of the body supplied by such blood vessels.
Coronary artery or heart disease is the name given to this condition and
can also result into a heart attack. This disease is known to be a
silent killer as millions of people have narrow arteries in their heart
and are unaware about the fact.
This heart disease develops when
cholesterol particles in the blood starts accumulating on the walls of
the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Ultimately, deposits called
plaques might form. These deposits narrow the arteries and ultimately
block the blood flow. The amount of oxygen supplied to the heart muscle
is thus reduced due to the decrease in the blood flow.
The signs and symptoms of this disease
might develop slowly as arteries are blocked slowly or they might occur
rapidly if an artery is blocked suddenly. There are no symptoms at all
in some people with ischemic heart disease while others could have
severe chest pain and shortness of breath that could pose a risk of
heart attack.
Luckily, with some lifestyle changes,
medicines and surgical procedures this disease can be treated
successfully. Additionally, by following heart healthy practices such as
eating a low fat and low sodium diet, not smoking, being physically
active and maintaining a healthy body weight.
This disease lessens the blood flow to the
coronary arteries which carry oxygen to the heart. This reduction in
blood flow might result in several symptoms which can differ in
intensity among individuals.
You could experience the symptoms daily or
just sporadically. Chest pain, chest pressure or shortness of breath are
some common symptoms that:
- Are relieved by medicine or rest
- Might feel like indigestion or gas
- Might feel as if pain beginning in the chest spreads to the back, arms or other areas.
- Occurs repeatedly and when the heart needs to work harder, generally during physical exertion.
- Generally lasts for a short time, i.e. for five minutes or less
Ischemia is frequently found in combination
of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes and in those who
have a genetic history of coronary artery disease. Smoking along with a
diet in high fats increases the risk of acquiring ischemia. People who
are overweight and intense and those diagnosed with hypertension might
also be at heightened risk. Those people who have already experienced a
stroke or heart attack might also suffer from narrowed arteries in the
heart muscle caused by harm or destruction of heart tissues and cells.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing this disease can be determined
by a variety of medical tests in addition with descriptions of symptoms
by patients. In majority of the cases, an ECG is given through which the
function and electrical activity of the heart muscle is tested. Echocardiogram is also included in diagnostic test which measures sound
waves produced by the heart, blood test that might offer results on the
levels of cholesterol and other lipoproteins in the blood.
There are varieties of treatments given by
doctors for this heart disease. While damage done to vessels could not
be repaired, treatments carried out focus on preventing more damage to
heart vessels. Changing diet, treating high blood pressure through
medication, exercise and quitting smoking are some common measures
included. Lessening of stress is quite effective along with weight
reduction and maintaining a balanced diet is also important.
Several different medicines are available
to treat ischemic heart disease and you must consult your health care
provider for giving appropriate medication.
