Blocked Arteries: Symptoms and Treatment

The human heart is a complex system in itself. This vital body organ provides the whole body with oxygenated blood, a life-source. However, the critical function is carried out with the help of an intricate system of arteries that run to and from the heart. Blocked arteries or atherosclerosis can be life-threatening if not diagnosed or treated in time. The condition, one of the many heart diseases, is also referred to as coronary artery heart disease or coronary artery disease or CAD. It involves gradual deterioration in the space within each of the vital artery passages, meant to carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart.

The heart muscle depends on a regular and optimum supply of oxygen to function properly. In turn, it pumps blood throughout the body. The oxygen supply to the heart is completed with the help of a system of coronary arteries. The build up of lesions or plaque within these arteries causes coronary artery disease or blocked arteries. The process is medically referred to as atherosclerosis. The damaged inner lining of plaque basically comprises fatty deposits that are cholesterol-rich, excess muscle cells, collagen and sometimes the accumulation of proteins.

Blocked Arteries Symptoms

Atherosclerosis or blocked arteries is a gradual progression that takes place over a lifetime and causes deterioration in heart health. The undetected accumulation of fats and 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 results in symptoms that manifest in the form of:

• Angina pectoris or a severe pain in the chest.
• A cardiac or heart attack, caused by the sudden failure of part of the whole heart muscle.
• Pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest.
• Shortness of breath and a choking sensation.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Excessive sweating.
• Cold and pale skin texture.

If the condition is not treated in time, death is the ultimate fatality. After the age of 30, it is very important to monitor, on a regular basis:

• 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 via a dedicated medical history, 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 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 address the need to dissolve blood clots, 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. In the case of coronary artery bypass, the chest area is opened and a short vein length from the thigh or lower leg is used to enable the passage of blood around the blocked region. In the case of coronary angioplasty, a hollow tube or guide catheter is inserted into the region and with the help of an x-ray image, the doctor inserts the catheter into the blocked coronary artery. The catheter balloon is inflated within the 'blocked' region and the artery is re-opened.