Types of Ischemic Heart Disease
Types of Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemia (insufficient blood flow) to the heart muscle is one of the main types of cardiovascular disease. Ischemia may develop gradually as coronary arteries become narrowed over time or it can occur suddenly when a blockage occurs that stops the heart from receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
The most common cause of ischemic heart disease is atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fat and cholesterol plaques inside your coronary arteries. When these plaques clog up your arteries, they can no longer send blood to the heart muscle.
Symptoms and Signs of Ischemic Heart Disease
Exertional angina, or chest pain that doesn't go away, is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease. It can be caused by several things, including the buildup of plaque in your arteries or by a blood clot that breaks free from a blood vessel and reaches your heart.
Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is often treated by lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, weight loss, exercise, and lipid (cholesterol) control. It can also be treated by medication such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Surgical Revascularization of Ischemic Arteries
When lifestyle modifications and medical therapy don't improve symptoms, your doctor may recommend a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). emergency bracelet for elderly A catheter-based device (catheter) is used to open a blocked artery and insert a stent to keep it open long-term. If the stent isn't effective, your doctor can use another procedure, such as a coronary artery bypass surgery, to restore blood flow to the heart.