Blocked Arteries: Symptoms and Treatment

The human heart is a complex system in itself. This vital organ supplies the whole body with oxygenated blood. This important function is carried out with the help of an intricate system of arteries that run to and from the heart. Healthy arteries are wide enough to allow free flow of blood. The heart muscle depends on a regular and optimum supply of oxygen to function properly. In turn, it pumps blood throughout the body. Oxygen is supplied to the heart with the help of the cardiovascular system. However, in the presence of debris like dead cells, collagen, cholesterol molecules, fibrous connective tissue and calcium (and sometimes, protein) deposits, etc. the arteries tend to get clogged.

The build up of plaque and lesions, caused due to inflammation, within the blood vessels results in coronary artery disease or blocked arteries. This results in narrowing of the arterial walls, causing a hindrance to blood circulation, thereby depriving the heart of essential nutrients and oxygen. Blocked arteries or atherosclerosis (in medical parlance) can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated on time. In the following paragraphs, you will find information regarding the indications and treatment for this disorder of the arteries.

Blocked Arteries Symptoms

Atherosclerosis or blocked arteries occurs gradually and can lead to deterioration of the heart's health. The undetected accumulation of plaque within the arteries not only thickens, but also narrows the arterial walls. This results in an impeding flow of blood that is clinically referred to as ischemia. This condition can be detected with the help of the following signs.

• Angina pectoris or a severe pain, accompanied by discomfort, in the chest
• A cardiac arrest or heart attack, triggered due to weakened cardiac muscle
• Shortness of breath and a choking sensation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Cold and pale skin

Diagnosing Atherosclerosis

In the absence of proper diagnosis and prompt treatment, this disorder can lead to death. After the age of 30, it is very important to undergo a full body checkup, on a regular basis. The physician may conduct certain tests (mentioned below) in order to monitor the working of the heart and detect the presence of any disorder.

• High blood pressure
• Blood cholesterol levels
• Onset of diabetes
• Increase in body weight
• Stress levels
• Family history of heart disease

Treatment for Blocked Arteries

Coronary artery disease or blocked arteries is a condition diagnosed with the help of a thorough physical examination, electrocardiogram, coronary angiography, a chest x-ray and prescribed blood tests. The blood tests are usually conducted to analyze and evaluate cholesterol level, diabetes and the thyroid hormone. The medical history of the family also plays a key role in determining the presence of this cardiac disorder in the individual. The treatment of blocked arteries involves, first and foremost, educating the patient on the life-threatening condition and explaining the outcome of the disease. Further damage can be prevented with the help of:

• Lifestyle changes like cessation of the smoking habit, a dedicated diet plan and very importantly, regular exercise.
• Medication prescribed by the doctor, which commonly includes beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers and nitrates. Thrombolytic drugs are also prescribed to dissolve blood clots (if any), by increasing the blood plasmin level.
• Blood volume and pressure are lessened with the help of diuretics such as Esidrix and Diuril. Medication for blocked arteries also includes ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2, vasodilators and statins.
• Surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass and angioplasty or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, may be performed, in case the blockage is intense. In coronary artery bypass, the chest area is opened and a vein from the thigh or lower leg is used to enable the passage of blood around the blocked region.
• Coronary angioplasty is a procedure where a hollow tube or guide catheter is inserted into the artery. A catheter balloon is inflated within the artery to widen the walls. A stent is then placed in the artery to prevent it from narrowing again, thus restoring normal blood flow.

This was all about the signs and treatment methods for blocked arteries. Going for a routine body analysis is advisable as this will not only detect the presence of some health disorder in the initial stages, but will also help prevent its recurrence. Stay healthy!