Your Guide to Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease

Introduction

Ischemic heart disease is one of the global public health concerns. This condition is an outcome of coronary artery disease. One of the main causes of morbidity and death is characterised by a decreased blood supply to the heart muscle. People experiencing shortness of breath, regular chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, or vomiting, should not delay and book an appointment with one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at BM Birla Heart Research Hospital to ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment required depending on the symptoms of a patient.

The ins and outs of ischemic heart disease are discussed in this blog, along with information on risk factors, kinds, symptoms, causes, diagnosis techniques, available treatments, and preventative measures. 

What is Ischemic Heart Disease?

When there is insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscle as a result of reduced blood flow, it is known as ischemic heart disease. The condition known as atherosclerosis, in which plaque accumulates inside the coronary arteries, is usually the source of this restriction. These arteries may become thin or obstructed with time, resulting in a variety of heart problems. Breathlessness, exhaustion, and angina are indications of the heart muscle being deprived of vital oxygen and nutrients due to this limitation in blood flow. A heart attack may also occur as a consequence of a severe obstruction. 

What are the Types of Ischemic Heart Disease?

Ischemic heart disease is categorised into several different types which are: 

• Stable Angina: This variant of angina is predictable, and caused by physical activity or stress. It may be treated with medication or rest. This type occurs because of a regular pattern of reduced cardiac blood flow.
• Unstable Angina: This form is more erratic which can happen while at rest, and standard medication doesn’t help in the treatment. It increases the possibility of having a heart attack.
• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): This type is a severe one in which all coronary arteries are stopped, causing the heart muscle tissue to stop from a shortage of oxygen.
• Silent Ischemia: This type doesn't show any symptoms, it can still be identified through cardiac tests and is equally harmful as symptomatic ischemia.
• Silent Ischemia: This form of ischemia has no noticeable symptoms, but it can be detected through heart tests and is equally dangerous as symptomatic ischemia.

What are Ischemic Heart Disease Symptoms?

The symptoms of ischemic heart disease might differ depending on an individual, however, some of the common symptoms are:

• Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Heart Palpitations
• Irregular Heartbeats
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Sweating

What are Ischemic Heart Disease Causes?

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of ischemic heart disease. The onset of atherosclerosis and consequent ischemic heart disease is caused by multiple factors such as: 

• Cholesterol Plaque Build-up
• Blood Clots
• Coronary Artery Spasm
• Inflammation

What are Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factors?

Various risk factors aggravate the probability of developing ischemic heart disease such as:

• Age: 45 for men and 55 for women
• Gender: Men are more prone to developing this condition than females
• Family History
• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol Levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy Diet
• Stress

How is Ischemic Heart Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of ischemic heart disease involves a combination of medical history, physical assessment, and required tests, which include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test is ordered to record the electrical activity of the heart to confirm the presence of ischemia.
• Stress Testing: Evaluates heart function by involving physical stress or medication-induced stress.
• Echocardiogram: Involves visualising heart structures and assessing function through ultrasound tests.
• Coronary Angiography: Helps detect heart blockages by injecting dye into the coronary arteries through X-ray imaging.
• Blood Tests: Helps measure cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and cardiac enzymes.

What are Ischemic Heart Disease Treatment Options?

Ischemic heart disease treatment depends on the symptoms experienced by an individual, their severity, and their type. Here are the recommended treatment options for this condition:

• Medications: It involves beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet medications, and statins to control symptoms and avoid problems.
• Lifestyle Modifications: One must ensure adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising frequently, stop smoking, and learn stress management techniques.
• Surgical Procedures:

• An angioplasty and stent technique is used to widen constricted arteries and implant a stent to maintain that opening.
• A bypass is created around clogged arteries during a procedure known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) By utilizing vessels from other areas of the body.
• Cardiac rehabilitation is a disciplined program intended to strengthen the heart through education, counselling, and physical activity.

What are the Tips for Ischemic Heart Disease Prevention?

Preventing ischemic heart disease involves addressing risk factors through lifestyle and medical interventions:

• Include a Healthy and Balanced Diet 
• Regular Physical Activity
• Quit Smoking
• Manage Blood Pressure
• Control Cholesterol Levels
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Manage Diabetes
• Reduce Stress through yoga, meditation, or hobbies.
• Limit Alcohol

Conclusion

Ischemic heart disease is a major threat to world health, however, it can be managed and prevented by understanding its forms, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and available treatments. The risk of ischemic heart disease can be considerably reduced by implementing heart-healthy behaviours and obtaining the necessary medical attention. This will ensure enhancing general cardiovascular health and quality of life. 

FAQs

How long can you live with ischemic heart disease?

The severity, course of treatment, and lifestyle changes all affect how long an ischemic heart disease patient lives. When given proper medical care, lead a healthy lifestyle, and receive routine check-ups from healthcare professionals, most people can live a healthy life.

How to prevent ischemic heart disease?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent ischemic heart disease eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, abstain from smoking and drinking, manage stress, and take frequent checkups and medication if needed to address problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension.

Can ischemic heart disease be cured?

While there is no known treatment for ischemic heart disease, it can be effectively controlled with dietary adjustments, prescription drugs, and medical procedures. By reducing symptoms, preventing problems, and enhancing quality of life, these therapies help many people lead healthy lives. 

What is the main cause of ischemic heart disease?

Atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other materials) in the coronary arteries, is the primary cause of ischemic heart disease because it reduces cardiac blood flow. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol are risk factors.

What are the 4 stages of ischemic heart disease?

The four stages of ischemic heart disease are Asymptomatic (silent) ischemia, Stable angina pectoris, Unstable angina, and Myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Can ischemic heart disease cause atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation can result from ischemic heart disease. Electrical disruptions caused by reduced blood flow and myocardial injury can result in atrial fibrillation and other abnormal heart rhythms, which increase the risk of stroke and other consequences.

Can ischemic heart disease cause sleep apnea?

There is no direct link between ischemic heart disease and sleep apnea however, there is a substantial correlation between the two. Managing sleep apnea can help people with ischemic heart disease achieve better outcomes. According to experts, sleep apnea can deteriorate cardiovascular health.