Coronary Artery Disease And Its Symptoms

Abstract This article includes studies on techniques to treat Coronary artery diseases, including nutritional and surgical treatments. This article also highlights some of its causes and potential threats. Coronary artery diseases are a major problem and the leading cause for death in both men and woman. More than 50% of heart-related deaths occurred in 2009 among men (Barclay, 2013). Coronary artery disorders can cause no harm, but they can develop later into acute myocardial syndrome or ST elevation infarction. In order to avoid this disease, people must understand its risks. This paper also details the most common diagnostic techniques used to diagnose coronary artery diseases, including Electrocardiograms (ECG), Echocardiograms and Stress Tests.

The heart is made up of many parts, including ventricles and valves. It also contains atriums. All these parts work together to help the body function properly. A person’s body can be damaged or suffer from decreased function if they don’t take good care of it. Damage to the heart may have long-lasting consequences, including narrowing of arteries or blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are one of the more common types of heart disease. Coronary arterial disease is caused by two main causes. Genetic factors are one of the main causes. The second is poor nutrition and inactivity.

Atherosclerosis may also be a cause for coronary artery problems. It can develop when someone neglects their health. Atherosclerosis, or cholesterol plaque buildup in arteries walls, can cause obstructions of blood flow. When plaques rupture, they can cause a sudden occlusion. Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol and other substances. Atherosclerosis usually does not cause symptoms until a blood vessel is blocked or a plaque ruptures. Blood vessels may become inflamed. There is also an increased risk of blood-clots and a heart attack if the build-up plaque is not removed. Sometimes, blood vessels can grow to bypass a blocked artery and deliver blood to your heart. In the case of increased heart pressure or exercise, the oxygenated blood does not reach the heart. The artery can become blocked or a stroke may occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygenated. Other causes or risk factors include age. (Age alone can increase the likelihood of a narrowed or damaged arterial), sex or family history. Coronary Artery Disease is sometimes caused by factors that are not classic. Coronary artery disease comes in many forms. Some plaques are asymptomatic and do not block the blood flow to the heart.

People with symptoms of ST Elevation MyocardialInfarction, stable acute heart syndrome or ST Elevation coronary Syndrome could be at risk. Stable angina causes chest pains or discomfort. It is usually triggered by emotional stress or physical activity. This is not an emergency. If the plaque ruptures suddenly it will cause the clotting to occur in the artery. Acute Coronary Syndrome(ACS) results from a decrease in blood flow through the coronary arteries. As a result, if part of your heart muscle dies or is unable function properly, you have acute coronary syndrome. Non ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Ischemia (NSTEMI) is the result of acute coronary syndrome. NSTEMI, or a heartattack, is another name for NSTEMI. ST refers specifically to the ST-segment, which is an abnormally high level above the baseline. Unstable Angina is a sign that the blockages of your heart’s arteries have reached a critical stage. Chest pain is experienced even when the person is at rest. Untreated, unstable angin can cause heart attacks, heart failure and arrhythmias. These conditions are potentially life-threatening.

ST-Elevation Myocardial (STEMI) occurs when thrombosis completely closes off the vessel. The myocardium is then injured, causing ST-Elevation Myocardial injury. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarctions (STEMIs) are a type of serious heart attack where one of the main arteries in the heart becomes blocked. Chest pain (also known as angina) is one of many symptoms of coronary arterial disease. This may feel as if there is pressure or tightness. Angina attacks usually occur in the middle of the chest or on the left. The pain usually stops when the stress stops. The heart may not be able to pump enough blood for the body’s demands. Other symptoms are a squeezing pressure in the chest or pain in the arm or shoulder. Sometimes, there is shortness breath and sweating. Heart attacks can cause these symptoms when an arterial blockage occurs. A heart attack may occur without any symptoms or signs. Women may also experience different symptoms from men. Heart attack symptoms in women are often subtler than men’s. Women can have fatigue or disturbed sleep a couple of months prior to having a coronary. Women will feel pressure but it won’t be as abrupt as with men.

For women, other symptoms include shortness-of-breath, nausea, or vomiting. They may also feel pain in the upper parts of their bodies. Both men and women experience chest pain during a heartattack, but the symptoms are much more severe in men. For diagnosis, you doctor might suggest Electrocardiograms (ECG), Echocardiograms, Stress tests, Cardiac Catheterization or Angiograms, or Heart Scans. The electrocardiogram records the electrical signals traveling through the heart. It can show evidence of previous or ongoing heart attacks. Echocardiograms are produced by sound waves.

A doctor can check whether the heart is pumping normally by using an echocardiogram. For a Stress Test, the doctor is looking for symptoms that usually occur when the patient exercises. In order to perform this test, patients are asked to ride a stationary or treadmill bike and walk while the ECG is performed. Some patients may need to take medication that stimulates the heart instead of exercising. Angiograms or cardiac catheterization involve injecting dye into the coronary artery to visualize the blood flow. Doctors can detect calcium deposits within the arteries using a CT scan or a heart scanner. The presence of a large amount calcium in the arteries is a sign that coronary heart disease may be present. Coronary artery disease can be treated in many ways. There are many treatments for coronary artery disease.

The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to improve heart function. A healthy diet and weight are important lifestyle changes. Exercise, stress management, and quitting tobacco smoking are also part of the change. Patients should consume a variety of low-fat foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and legumes. Patients are advised to avoid sugary or sweet drinks and foods, a large amount of red or processed meats, as well palm or coco oil. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption. A minimum of 2-3 hours of exercise per week can also be beneficial. The greater the benefits, the more active you are. If lifestyle changes do not control blood levels of cholesterol, then medication may be required. These medications can lower blood cholesterol levels and even reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Four types of medications are commonly used to treat coronary artery diseases. 1. Statins are a type of medication that helps to reduce the harmful cholesterol produced by the liver. 2. Blood thinners help to break up blood clots. 3. Third type of beta blockers. They slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure. 4. The fourth drug is a calcium-channel blocker. It works by relaxing the blood vessels. Surgery or another medical procedure may be required if the medication is not sufficient.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is the most commonly used procedure. In this procedure, the thin flexible tube is usually fitted with a large balloon. It is then inserted through the coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated inside the artery to push the plaque up against the wall. A doctor can insert a stent in the artery to prevent blockage. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is another treatment. Bypassing the blocked artery, other veins or arteries are rebuilt. Coronary arterial disease is a common form of heart condition and the leading killer of both men & women in the United States. Each year, the number of cases is over 3 million. Coronary artery diseases are the leading cause for death in most ethnic groups.

Men are more susceptible to coronary disease at age 45 than women. Scientists say that before menopause, female hormones may protect women against coronary arterial disease. After menopause, however, women are just as susceptible to coronary disease as men. Men and women can both suffer heart attacks due to coronary artery diseases, but men are more likely to do so. Women are more likely than men to die within a single year after a heartattack.

According to a study by Professor Kristina Sundquist of the Center for Primary Health Care Research at Malmo in Sweden, genetics plays a significant role in coronary heart disease (Rattue 2011). The study revealed that people with at least a biological parent who had Coronary Artery Disease, were 40-60% more susceptible to developing the disease. Coronary artery disease has a stronger genetic link than the environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t develop the disease if your family has no history of it. According to estimates, the risk of coronary arterial disease is approximately 50% genetics and 50% environment.

Author

  • mikeholloway

    Mike Holloway is an experienced blogger and educator. He has been blogging for over 10 years, and has taught in various educational settings for over 15 years. Mike's primary focus is on helping students and educators learn and use new technologies to improve their lives and work.

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