A narrowing of the arteries that creates a blockage impeding blood flow to the heart is referred to in medical terms as Ischemic Heart Disease. This disease is the result of cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall which result in hardening of the arteries. When this occurs, blood flow to the heart is either blocked or slowed in flow. When arteries become hardened it is referred to as atherosclerosis. This terminology is interchangeable with another medical term, arteriosclerosis. Both of these terms refer to the decrease or blockage of 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 passes, plaque deposits narrow the arteries causing inefficient blood flow, which can also lead to the development of a type of Ischemic heart disease called angina. Angina Pectoris, or strangling, is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to poor blood supply. This puts the patient at an extremely high risk for heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.
Ischemic Heart Disease can be prevented or its severity lessened with lifestyle changes and proper healthcare. Although the thought of changing your ways after twenty to thirty years of constant routine may seem an impossible task, the results and benefits of a longer life are well worth the effort.
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 passes, plaque deposits narrow the arteries causing inefficient blood flow, which can also lead to the development of a type of Ischemic heart disease called angina. Angina Pectoris, or strangling, is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to poor blood supply. This puts the patient at an extremely high risk for heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.
Ischemic Heart Disease can be prevented or its severity lessened with lifestyle changes and proper healthcare. Although the thought of changing your ways after twenty to thirty years of constant routine may seem an impossible task, the results and benefits of a longer life are well worth the effort.
About the Author:
A licensed registered nurse with great passion for writing, Barb Hicks loves to share her knowledge about Heart Disease Symptoms with others. You can find more of her lessons including Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmia on Clivir.com.
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