Skip to main content

Ischemic heart disease , Coronary artery disease , CAD,symptoms,causes , treatment

 1.  What is Ischemic heart disease?

2.  What is Coronary artery disease?

3.  CAD



Ischemic heart disease or Coronary artery disease or CAD are the different names of the same disease. It is related to our hearts. Though very serious but very common.

The blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the heart to keep it pumping are called coronary arteries. Sometimes fatty material ( plaque ) builds up in these arteries causing them to become narrow and stiffen. In medical terms, it is called atherosclerosis. 

Narrowing and stiffening of the blood vessels disrupt the blood supply to heart muscles which cause pain and discomfort to the patient. This medical condition is called angina.

A patient suffers a heart attack when a piece of the plaque is broken causing the formation of blood clots in the artery. This stops the blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. This condition is also called a myocardial infarction.

Symptoms:-

In the initial phase, no symptoms are generally visible. Narrowing of arteries may cause chest pain and uneasiness when the heart is working harder due to some physical work like going upstairs. The major symptoms are as follows.

1.  Breathlessness during some physical activity.

2. The patient experiences tightness, heaviness, and discomfort in the chest slowly spreading to the back, neck, shoulders, and jaws.

3. A person in his initial phase of CAD feels discomfort in arms, neck, and jaw.

Sometimes the symptoms are so silent that a person discovers the disease only when he suffers a heart attack.

Causes and risk factors:-

There are a number of risk factors that may cause coronary artery disease. Some risk factors can be controlled while there are many which are beyond our control.

1.  Smokers are more likely to develop coronary artery disease. The inhaled smoke damages the linings of the arteries leading to the build-up of fatty material. It narrows the arteries and makes the blood clot.

2.  Bad eating habits and lifestyle can increase the level of cholesterol in the body. It can speed up the build-up of the fatty material in the body. 

3.  A patient of high blood pressure is more likely to develop coronary artery disease as the blood pressure can damage the arteries.

4.  A diabetes patient has greater chances of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Managing diabetes can lower risk.

5.  Regular exercise can lower the risk of ischemic heart disease or CAD.

6.  A healthy and balanced diet that gives all nutrients along with maintaining a proper weight.

7.  A person suffering from long term stress is at high risk of stroke.

8.  Alcoholic people or heavy drinkers are at high risk of ischemic heart disease.

Treatment:-

1.  Following the instructions of the doctor is of utmost importance.

2. Taking medicine as prescribed. 

3.  Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.

4.  Changes in dietary habits to drastically reduce cholesterol levels.

5.  If the heart patient has diabetes he must manage his sugar level.

6.  blood pressure must be brought under control.

7.  Alcoholic patients should reduce their daily intake to one drink only. 

8.  Some exercise and activity will help in reducing cholesterol levels but only if the doctor advises.

Balloon angioplasty and stent or drug-eluting stent placement:-

The cardiologists use a long thin tube  ( catheter) that is passed through a blood vessel to treat the plaque build-up within the vessel wall.

Bypass Surgery ( CABG ):-

Bypass surgery is conducted to bypass the clogged arteries through a blood vessel graft to restore the normal flow of blood to the heart. Through this graft, a new pathway is created to carry oxygenated blood to the heart. These grafts are taken from the arteries and veins of the patient's body.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP ):-

If the heart specialist finds the patient's medical conditions not suitable for other treatments like stenting, bypass surgery, or angioplasty, he may recommend EECP to stimulate the formation of small branches of blood vessels to create a natural bypass around blocked arteries. It is a non-invasive treatment.

Patients of coronary artery disease must-visit cardiologists regularly to keep a watch on the progress of the treatment.




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brain Tumor , Brain Cancer - Types , Symptoms , Causes , Diagnosis and Treatment .

Brain Tumor:-    O ver and excessive growth of cells creating a mass in the brain is called a brain tumor. The tumors in the brain could be either   cancerous or non- cancerous.    Non- cancerous brain tumors are called benign while cancerous brain tumors are called malignant tumors.  If the tumor in the brain originates in the brain itself then it is called a primary brain tumor. Sometimes cancerous development of cells in other parts of the body can spread to the brain then it is called secondary or metastatic brain tumors. Malignant brain tumors grow rather fast and affect the normal functions of the body and if proper medical care is not provided in time the life of the patient could be in danger. However, the chances of brain cancer in one's lifetime are very low. Types:- In the normal process old cells die out and new cells are formed to ensure growth and repair of the body tissues. Sometimes new cells start forming without the requirement thus creating extra cells that for
Post a Comment
Read more

Diabetes , Causes , Symptoms and Treatment .

Diabetes:-                                          Diabetes is a medical condition wherein the body accumulates sugar more than the permissible limits. Food eaten by us is converted into blood sugar or blood glucose. This blood glucose or blood sugar is the source of energy of the body. This blood sugar is absorbed by the cells of the body with the help of insulin. The insulin is produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to transfer blood sugar to cells of the body or in some cases insulin does not respond to the body cells then blood sugar begins to accumulate in the blood. This build-up sugar in the body over a limit creates a medical condition known as Diabetes. The high blood sugar level is very dangerous and toxic as it can damage many organs of the body like the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Body cells also do not get the energy they need to function properly leading to other health issues. Causes:-               There are di
Post a Comment
Read more

Kidney Problems , Kidney failure ,Initial Symptoms , General Causes and Possible Cures

                                                                            A pair of bean-shaped organs Kidneys remove the toxic and waste material from the body and maintains electrolyte balance apart from regulating blood pressure. Kidneys are one of the most important organs of the body. Kidneys are located at the back of the abdominal cavity one each on both sides of the spine. Male kidneys weigh around 125-170 grams while female kidneys weigh around  115-155 grams. Functions of the Kidney:-  In the process of converting food into energy, a large amount of harmful toxic materials are produced which if not flushed out timely could be life-threatening.  Kidneys maintain the fluid balance in the internal environment of the body. They remove the waste product like urea resulting from proteins and uric acid from the body through the urine. The kidneys re-absorb nutrients from the blood and carry them to different places to maintain the body system .kidneys maintain the healthy balance
Post a Comment
Read more