The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease
Sponsored Links
Ischemic heart disease is defined as decreased blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries. The obstruction results from cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall interrupting the flow of blood to the heart. The deposits harden causing hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, which is a medical term sometimes interchanged with arteriosclerosis. Both have the same affect, whereby both impede blood flow to the heart.
Arteriosclerosis, or plaque buildup, is a common factor in Ischemic heart disease. Plaque, a result of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, builds up in the vessels that feed the heart causing blockage to occur. This interferes with blood flow to the heart and results in heart attack symptoms to occur. The patient may exhibit signs ranging from shortness of breath to irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Sometimes, there are no symptoms due to damage to the nerves that surround the heart due to heart disease.
As time progresses, Angina will occur. This is when the arteries narrow, creating inefficient blood flow to the heart. This strangling of the heart or Angina Pectoris causes chest pain due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the heart. Patients afflicted with this type of heart disease are at an extremely high risk for attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
Patients at risk for Ischemic heart disease are those with diabetes, family history of heart disease or have high blood pressure. Most often, these risk factors can either be lessened or eliminated completely with simple changes to lifestyle such as losing weight and quitting smoking. These changes are beneficial no matter the situation; however it is important to note that they will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone who has already undergone a heart attack will most likely experience another one within five years. Visiting a healthcare provider on a regular basis will allow them to monitor its progression as well as alleviate or eliminate any future problems from occurring.
The good news about ischemic heart disease is it can be prevented, or at least lessen its severity. The answer is simple but may not be easy to implement. About the Author:
