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Ischemic Heart disease

Introduction

Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition in which the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked as a result of plaque buildup. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart, which can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and is often caused by a combination of factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of ischemic heart disease are:

  • Chest pain or discomfort: This can feel like pressure, squeezing, or aching in the chest and may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath: This may occur during physical activity or when you are at rest.
  • Heart palpitations: These are feelings of a rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat.
  • Fatigue: You may feel tired or weak, especially during physical activity.
  • Nausea: Some people with ischemic heart disease may feel sick to their stomach or vomit.
  • Lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or faint.

Causes

Ischemic heart disease is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing or blockage is usually caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that can accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing ischemic heart disease, including:

Risk factors

Complications

How to diagnose?

There are several tests and procedures that can be used to diagnose ischemic heart disease:

How to prevent it?

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of ischemic heart disease:

When do you need to see a doctor?

It's important to see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of ischemic heart disease, such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. These symptoms may indicate that the heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen, and prompt medical attention is important.

Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider regularly to check for signs of ischemic heart disease or other conditions that may increase your risk. This is especially important if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of ischemic heart disease.

A healthcare provider can help determine your risk of ischemic heart disease and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help reduce your risk. They can also diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may increase your risk.

FAQs

Yes, chronic stress can increase your risk of ischemic heart disease. Stress can cause the body's blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this can contribute to the development of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of ischemic heart disease.

The prognosis for people with ischemic heart disease can vary widely, and many people with the condition are able to live long, productive lives with proper treatment and management. However, the prognosis may be worse for people who have had a heart attack or who have severe ischemic heart disease.

According to the World Health Organization, ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.

Visit a doctor when you are suffering from heart problems!