Coronary Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the coronary circulation system fails to supply the cardiac muscle with sufficient blood. The insufficient circulation of blood to the heart also results in the deterioration of the surrounding tissue. It is a common ailment that has been identified as the primary cause for premature death across the continents. Although the condition is commonly equated with an artery disease that is atherosclerotic in nature, it can also be triggered due to coronary vasospasm and subsequently, stenosis. In this condition, the heart is deprived of the required circulation of blood and oxygen. The surrounding tissue is affected on account of the narrowing of the blood vessels. If left untreated, it results in death.

Causes

The main cause is a trigger condition that is clinically referred to as atherosclerosis. In this condition, there is a build up of plaque and fats along the artery walls. This coating not only narrows the passage within the vessels, but also reduces the normal blood and oxygen circulation to the heart.

Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Severe angina or chest pain.
• Cardiac arrest or heart attack;
• Palpitations;
• Excessive sweating;
• Shortness of breath.

Treatment

The treatment options are:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery;
• Minimal invasive heart surgery;
• Stenting angioplasty;
• Prescribed oral medication;
• Modified diet plan;
• A dedicated exercise program.

Prevention

In order to address the condition and prevent an onslaught of the same, it is important for people above the age of 40 to enlist for routine,quarterly checks to detect:

• Diabetes;
• Genetic history of the disorder;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol levels;
• Low cholesterol levels;
• Increased levels of C-reactive protein;
• Onslaught of obesity.

Diagnosis of the condition is always clinical and involves:

• Magnetic resonance angiography;
• CT angiography;
• Cardiac arteriography;
• Echocardiogram;
• Electrocardiogram or ECG;
• Electron-beam CT or EBCT;
• Stress test;
• Nuclear scan.

Effects

The heart pumps oxygenated blood that is received from the lungs to the different parts of the body. The oxygen-rich blood is pumped out via coronary arteries. In the case of coronary heart disease, the heart's blood supply is interrupted and reduced on account of a lining within the artery walls, of fatty substances. Subsequent atherosclerosis results in frequent angina and even myocardial infarction. The condition is life-threatening and the onslaught can alter your life considerably.

The effects of the disease include a mellowed down social life and drastic self conditioning, in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment. The condition restricts movement and ushers in the serious need to readdress heart health. While taking a toll on your social life, it also does permanent damage to family finances. In the face of neglect, surgery becomes the only way out and the procedure, with all the supporting medication and tests, is quite expensive.

Facts

• The strength and health of the heart muscles depends largely on the supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients that is brought in by the coronary arteries. It is very important to maintain the strength and elasticity of the arteries, throughout a lifetime. Exercise and diet play an important role in this;
• Coronary heart disease can be prevented with a few lifestyle changes. Diet monitoring is very important to reduce and negate the deposit of fatty material, plaque and calcium, within the arteries;
• You need to seriously consider giving up vices such as smoking and alcohol abuse and unhealthy eating habits to prevent the condition.