Coronary arteries are those that carry blood with oxygen to our hearts.
When these arteries are obstructed by the accumulation of fatty deposits inside them and unable to supply the heart with blood adequately, it is known as Coronary Artery Disease. If the heart is not getting the blood and oxygen it needs, it can cause chest pain (Angina), Arrhythmia, or Heart Failure.
The build-up of this plaque of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart's arteries can even lead to a Heart-Attack, resulting in permanent heart damage. This is the most common disease as well as, unfortunately, the most significant cause of death in both men and women in the USA.
Following are some of the possible causes:
Smoke
Physical inactivity
Insulin resistance
Symptoms regularly vary from person to person. Over time, as the arteries become blocked, it can appear:
Chest discomfort or pain (Angina)
Breathing difficulties
Tension or several pains in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, and back
Fluid retention in the feet
Extreme tiredness and fatigue after exercise
Excessive sweating
Nausea
Cramps
Weakness
Shortness of breath from any form of physical activity because the heart is not getting enough oxygen
Strong family history of heart disease
High cholesterol
Excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption
Diabetes or insulin resistance
Sedentary lifestyle
High stress
Age: As we get older, the risk of damage to our arteries increases
When you have two or more risk factors, your risk of coronary artery disease is higher. If you know or feel that you have any of these symptoms or risk factors, do not hesitate to discuss them with your Cardiologist. He/she will most likely recommend you undergo some tests to detect or discard Coronary Artery Disease.
There is no unique test to diagnose Coronary artery disease because several factors play a role. Your Cardiologist will likely perform a physical exam, listen to your heart, and ask you some questions about your lifestyle, family history, and medical conditions that will determine if there is a need to order more tests to detect or rule out Coronary Artery Disease.
Some of the most common studies are:
Electrocardiogram: It records the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart; an EKG may reveal evidence of a previous or ongoing heart attack.
Holter monitor: A portable device is placed under your clothing for 1–2 days to monitor your heart's activity while you go about your daily activities.
Stress test analyzes how the heart works before and after a physical effort. The Cardiologist will put you on a treadmill or stationary bike or give you some heart-boosting medication.
Blood tests: Usually used to measure and monitor blood cholesterol levels
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram determines if all heart parts naturally contribute to the heart's blood and oxygen pumping by using sound waves to produce images of the heart organ.
The first thing to consider is that if you already know that you have Coronary Artery Disease, you have to learn to be aware of the potential risk, and it is under your control to reduce it.
Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are some examples.
Your body may need more time to make noticeable progress, so your doctor will monitor your progress and tell you what medications can help control this condition.
Cholesterol-modifying medications: Your cardiologist will tell you if and which ones to take. These medications reduce plaque in the coronary arteries, especially bad cholesterol (LDL).
Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. They are especially recommended for people who have had a heart attack in the past.
Angioplasty: This procedure restores blood flow through the narrowed artery. The Cardiologist inserts a catheter with a small balloon on one side. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to push the plaque against the artery wall, thus widening the artery.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: The specialist surgeon creates a graft using a blood vessel from another body part to bypass the blocked coronary arteries.
You must consider regular check-ups with your cardiologist because early detection of coronary artery disease is fundamental to preventing more severe consequences.
When you have already been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease, follow the treatment provided by your Cardiologist.
Some things to consider that could help improve the quality of life are:
Find out about your illness
Eat healthily
Do not smoke
Attend your appointments with the Cardiologist
Take the medications provided by your Cardiologist
Do regular and continued exercise
If you present any of the mentioned symptoms or detect another abnormal sign, go to the Cardiologist.
When consulting your Cardiologist, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.
BlueNetHospitals
BlueNet Hospitals Blue Net Hospitals
Cardiac ablation is recommended when treatments are no longer effective or are not well tolerated to treat arrhythmias
Ventricular extrasystoles may not present symptoms; in other cases, they may cause unpleasant or alarming sensations.
A heart murmur is an unusual sound that is heard when blood flows through the heart.
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure used to assess the heart and blood vessels by inserting a catheter into them.