Ischemic Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ischemic heart disease is one such disease that happens because of high cholesterol levels in the blood. This affects the functioning of the heart as it creates problems in the pumping of blood. We will see it in detail here. 

ischemic heart disease – all you need to know!… Regular exercise can do wonders for your heart as it decreases the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood and keeps your heart fit for functioning. Keeping yourself away from smoking can also contribute a lot to it. Since people who smoke have a high risk of their heart.

Heart disease is one of the most common and most ignored subjects of a patient’s life. It is taken lightly as it is supposed to be very common in high-age groups. But this is one of the most dangerous diseases as it is life-threatening at times. It is advised to take all your heart seriously otherwise your body will have to pay for it. 

The first step in keeping your heart healthy is to eat healthily. What you eat is what goes into your blood. And hence, that is what affects your heart. The levels of cholesterol if not controlled, can contribute to damaging your heart. 

What is ischemic heart disease?

Ischemic heart disease is one such disease that happens because of high cholesterol levels in the blood. This affects the functioning of the heart as it creates problems in the pumping of blood. We will see it in detail here. 

Ischemic heart disease is also called coronary heart disease, as it happens because of full or partial blockage of the coronary arteries. These arteries are responsible for taking blood from the heart to the body. When the functioning of these arteries is altered, the blood doesn’t get pumped properly into the body and into the heart, so the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen for functioning, and overall, the complete system fails. The coronary arteries can be blocked partially or completely, depending upon the severity of the illness in the blood of the patient. 

Also. It’s not always necessary that you would develop symptoms before being attacked by some heart disease. Sometimes, you will not even get to know and your blood pressure will become so high that it would bring your life in danger. 

What is the cause of Ischemic heart disease?

The main cause of Ischemic heart disease is the high levels of cholesterol in the blood. When the cholesterol levels are very high, these cholesterol particles stick to the sides of the arteries hence narrowing them down. The narrowing down of arteries can cause high blood pressure and hence, severe heart diseases. Sometimes, the cholesterol particles accumulate so much on the sides that it blocks the arteries completely and there is no space for the blood to flow through. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

What are the symptoms of Ischemic heart disease?

Some of the symptoms of Ischemic heart disease are severe chest pain or discomfort. This happens when one part of the heart doesn’t receive enough blood. You may encounter it after heavy running or exertion. These are the times when the heart needs to pump fast, but cannot!

It’s very important to keep your heart in shape and healthy. It may seem like a big task but it’s not. It’s basically a combination of very small tasks which you need to take care of, regularly. Since eating habits and the living style affect your heart health, our main concern should be a healthy diet and a good lifestyle. High blood pressure may cause your arteries to shrink and stop the flow of blood. So, if you smoke, stop it right away.

5 Treatment Options for Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is a condition that develops when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the heart muscle. Treatment for ischemic heart disease focuses on improving blood flow to the heart, managing symptoms, and preventing complications.

Here are some of the treatment options available for ischemic heart disease:

1. Lifestyle changes:

Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing ischemic heart disease and manage its symptoms.

2. Medications:

Various medications are available to treat ischemic heart disease, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitroglycerin. These medications can help improve blood flow to the heart, reduce blood pressure, and relieve chest pain.

3. Angioplasty and stenting:

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inflating a small balloon inside a narrowed or blocked artery to widen it and improve blood flow. In some cases, a stent (a small metal mesh tube) may be inserted to keep the artery open.

4. Coronary artery bypass surgery:

This surgical procedure involves creating a new route for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed artery by using a blood vessel from another part of the body.

5. Lifestyle interventions:

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help people with ischemic heart disease make lifestyle changes, manage their symptoms, and improve their overall health. These programs typically include exercise training, nutrition counseling, and stress management techniques.

The appropriate treatment for ischemic heart disease depends on the severity and underlying causes of the condition. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and medical history. It is important to follow your treatment plan closely and make any necessary lifestyle changes to manage your condition effectively and prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ischemic Heart Disease

Keeping your heart healthy is a basic need for keeping yourself healthy. So, stay tuned with us and we will keep you updated about all that you need to know.