Diseases that occur as a result of the heart muscle not being nourished due to various reasons are called ischemic heart disease. The blockage or narrowing of the coronary vessels feeding the heart due to arteriosclerosis is called atherosclerosis. As a result of this blockage or narrowing, the heart cannot receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Thus, the normal function of the heart is disrupted and symptoms of the disease appear.
Many factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking cause plaques to form on the vascular wall over time. These plaques grow, narrow the vessel and prevent sufficient blood flow, causing the disease.
Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease
Clinical symptoms appear depending on the degree of blockage and narrowing in the coronary vessels.
- Chest pain occurs in the form of pressure, squeezing or burning. It spreads to the neck, shoulders and jaw. But elderly people and people with diabetes may have ischemic heart disease without chest pain.
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitation, weakness
- Numbness in the arms, loss of strength
- Fainting
The diagnosis of ischemic heart disease can be made using many different examinations such as ECG, ECHO, computed tomography, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, MRI examination. The decision can be made according to the patient's risk factors and clinic. Sometimes direct coronary angiography is necessary, sometimes clinical evaluation, physical examination and ECG may be sufficient.
What are the Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease?
- Early heart disease in the family
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Fat and obesity, especially in the abdominal area
- Smoking
Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease
Two different goals are determined in the treatment of the disease. Firstly, to improve the course of the disease and secondly to minimize the symptoms of the disease. These goals are first started by applying medication. If the patient does not respond to drug treatment or is a high-risk patient, stent or coronary surgery methods are applied after coronary angiography. Even if a stent or surgical method is applied Drug treatment should not be interrupted. This is because medications slow down the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms in the long term.
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