Heart Health Unveiled: Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Ischemic Heart Disease:

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced. This can happen when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. IHD is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

Causes of IHD

The most common cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. Over time, plaque can build up and narrow the arteries, reducing the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

Other causes of IHD include:

Blood clots developed if plaque ruptures, and block the arteries.
Spasm of the coronary arteries
Damage to the coronary arteries from surgery or other medical procedures
Birth anomalies of the coronary arteries

Symptoms of IHD

The most common symptom of IHD is chest pain, also known as angina. Angina is typically described as a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. It can also feel like a burning or aching sensation. Angina is often triggered by exertion, excitement, or cold weather.

Other symptoms of IHD include:

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Lightheadedness

Diagnosis of IHD

If you have any of the symptoms of IHD, it is important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also order tests such as:

Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can show if there are any problems with the heart’s rhythm or if the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It can show how well the heart is pumping blood and if there are any defects in contractility of heart muscle, due to blockages in the coronary arteries.
Exercise stress test: An exercise stress test measures the heart’s response to exertion. It can be used to diagnose IHD and to assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment of IHD

The treatment of IHD depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment options include:

Medications: Medications can be used to widen the coronary arteries, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help to reduce the risk of IHD and improve symptoms.
Angioplasty and stenting: Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures that can be used to widen narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A small balloon is inserted into the artery and inflated to widen the artery. A stent, which is a small metal mesh tube, is then placed in the artery to keep it open.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): CABG is a major surgery that is used to create new blood vessels around blocked coronary arteries. This increases the blood supply to the heart muscle.

Prevention of IHD

The best way to prevent IHD is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes: