Ischemic Heart Disease Causes, Signs and Symptoms

The definition of the ischemic heart disease states that is a disorder that impacts the blood supply. Thus, it can be a rather dangerous issue. Many healthcare professionals also call it coronary artery disease. The condition predetermines the increased amount of cholesterol in the blood. The result is the decreased oxygen distribution and drop in the necessary nutrients’ amount. It matters for the correct work of heart. It may lead to the deprive of heart and further extinction of the heart tissue. The fatal outcome is a heart attack.

There are several factors known to cause this dangerous disease. Ischemic heart disease may evolve as the plaque develops in the arteries. A decreased blood flow happens when one or more of these arteries turns somehow blocked, fully or not. The 4 main coronary arteries are present in the heart’s coverage as well as four basic arteries. Those are circumflex, left, right, and left anterior descending arteries. Those arteries are extra important as they provide necessary nutrition to the main human organ – heart.

What about the signs of this disease? Typical angina may characterize ischemic heart disease, so one should be really careful when facing this condition. After all, it is critical to identify the disease at its early stages to avoid further consequences. Angina is another word for pressure, feeling of being fed up, pain in the throat, irritation of the throat, and numbness. Some people confuse a chest pain supported by angina with heartburn. Neck, back, and upper extremities are three other parts of the body under the risk of Ischemic Heart Disease.

Risk factors are important to consider as they can predict the upcoming problem and let the person prevent it or at least attempt to overcome it. Exceeded blood pressure, increased amount of cholesterol, sugar diabetes, extra weight, lack of activity, fat foods intake, bad habits, sleep disorders, stressful situations, and some of the pregnancy complications are the possible risk factors of ischemic heart disease. As you can see, there are many things to consider and treat seriously. As the person grows up, the risk also becomes higher.

Doctors diagnose this health condition in several popular ways. The first method is a good old physical exam. The patient should bring his medical history with him. Several other tests can assist in diagnosing ischemic heart disease. One of the best options is to pass electrocardiogram to analyze the work of heart. It is often abbreviated as ECG. This exam provides the rhythm of the main organ as well as its overall performance. Holter monitor is one more way to diagnose this type of heart disease. It estimates the number of heartbeats and compares to the normal rates.

Echocardiogram exists to measure the pumps. It is important to analyze and assume the level of stress as well. A doctor may decide to inject a dye into the heart arteries for the more accurate results. It does not necessarily must be a heart – it is possible to test the extremities in the same way too. The CT scans help to get the full picture of arteries and define the level of calcium and fatty deposits in people who suffer from obesity as extra weight is one of the risk factors and causes.

The next logical question is whether it is possible to keep away from this health condition by minimizing the risks or taking some other measures. Yes, it is possible to overcome ischemic heart disease. In some cases, it is enough to change the life habits. For instance, a person who lacks movements should have more walks and start doing sports.

People who smoke or consume alcoholic beverages should deal with that addictions. The denial of those bad habits help to ensure the arteries’ strength and keeping them free of plaque. Try to manage your blood pressure if it is beyond or especially above the norm. Mind the heartbeats.

The meals should not be fatty or too salty – it is better to avoid salt and sugar at all. Minimize stressful situations or stop overreacting to them. Consume more vegetables and fruits as they have the elements necessary for the proper heart functioning.