What Is Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is also known as Coronary Artery Disease. It is an accumulation of fatty deposits in the wall lining of the coronary arteries. Blood flow into and out of the heart becomes restricted when these deposits encircle the heart's main arteries.
The process of fatty tissue accumulating in the main arteries is known as Atherosclerosis and can often result in Ischemia. Ischemia is the inability to supply enough oxygen to the heart's muscles which, sequentially damages them. This can lead to the obstruction of the heart's primary blood vessels, resulting in a myocardial infarction.
The cause of ischemic heart disease is not yet known, and with it being the most common heart disease in the US, it has become the most prolific cause of heart attacks that result in death. Breakthroughs in medical science has allowed us to prevent and impede the effects of heart disease. Treating lipid abnormalities can also delay and sometimes even halt the progression of atherosclerosis. This could eventually result in the active regression of the atherosclerotic plaque (the fatty deposits) that does cause heart disease.
Ischemic heart disease doesn’t really have any early warning symptoms to look for. However, once the disease is steadily progressing, it is often characterized by angina, which is chest pain caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart. Angina can also extend or be isolated to the neck or to the left arm and shoulder blade. Heart disease is not always accompanied with angina, but this form of the disease is known as "Silent Ischemic Heart Disease." The reasons for the occasional lacks of angina are entirely unknown.
Risk factors for ischemic heart disease that can be controlled are diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, weight problems, high cholesterol, and type A personalities (defined by impatience and a short temper). In some cases, Ischemic heart disease is reversible, and is generally able to be slowed.
It is vital to follow a doctor’s advice when diagnosed with this type of heart disease, as it could directly impact whether or not you live or die.
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