It also known as coronary artery disease, is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain, also known as angina, or even a heart attack.
The most common cause of ischemic heart disease is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that can accumulate on the walls of the arteries, reducing blood flow and causing them to become narrow and stiff.
Pain presentation of ischemic heart disease:
The most common presentation of ischemic heart disease is chest pain or discomfort, also known as angina.
Angina may present as:
- Pressure
- Tightness
- Squeezing sensation in the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Fatigue
The severity, duration, and frequency of angina can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the blockage in the coronary arteries. Some individuals may experience stable angina, which occurs predictably during physical activity or stress and subsides with rest or medication. Others may experience unstable angina, which occurs unexpectedly and can be a sign of a heart attack.
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing ischemic heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. Age and gender also play a role, with men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 being at higher risk.
Symptoms of ischemic heart disease
It include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, which is why regular check-ups with a doctor are important for early detection and treatment.
Diagnosis of ischemic heart disease
It typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), stress testing, and coronary angiography. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications such as aspirin, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, and in some cases, surgical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Prevention of ischemic heart disease
It is crucial and can be achieved through a combination of healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to manage other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Treatment
Following medications are used in treatment of IHD:
- Beta Blockers (they are first line therapy of stable angina. They work by decreasing myocardial contractility and decrease O2 demand.)
- Anti-platelet therapy
- ACE inhibitors /Angiotension receptors blockers (they work by lowering ejection fraction. Cough is the only adverse effect of ACE inhibitors).
- Calcium Channel Blockers e.g. nifedipine, nitrendipine
- For lipid management use statins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ischemic heart disease is a serious condition that can have significant consequences if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms, and to seek medical attention if necessary. By making lifestyle changes and following the advice of your healthcare provider, you can reduce your risk of developing this disease and live a healthy, active life.