MBBS, MD’Clinical Ordinatura (Cardiology)
FACC, FICC, Fellowship in Intervention Cardiology
Adult and Paediatric Intervention Cardiologist
MBBS, MD’Clinical Ordinatura (Cardiology)
FACC, FICC, Fellowship in Intervention Cardiology
Adult and Paediatric Intervention Cardiologist
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis (sometimes called “hardening” or “clogging” of the arteries) is the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries. These plaques can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle by physically clogging the artery or by causing abnormal artery tone and function.
Without an adequate blood supply, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly. This can cause chest pain called angina. If blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is cut off entirely, or if the energy demands of the heart become much greater than its blood supply, a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle) may occur.
From a young age, plaque can start to go into your blood vessel walls. As you get older, the plaque builds up. That inflames the walls and raises the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. The plaque makes the inner walls of your blood vessels sticky. Then, other things, like inflammatory cells, lipoproteins, and calcium, travel in your bloodstream and mix with the plaque. As more of these inflammatory cells join in, along with cholesterol, the plaque increases, both pushing the artery walls outward and growing inward. That makes the vessels narrower. Eventually, a narrowed coronary artery may develop new blood vessels that go around the blockage to get blood to the heart muscle. However, if you’re pushing yourself or stressed, the new arteries may not be able to bring enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. In some cases, when plaque ruptures, a blood clot may block blood supply to the heart muscle. This causes a heart attack. If a blood vessel to the brain is blocked, usually from a blood clot, an ischemic stroke can happen. If a blood vessel within the brain bursts, most likely as a result of uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), a hemorrhagic stroke can result. Studies have found that taking low-dose aspirin each day may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who are 50 or older and at risk for heart disease.
Cardiac ischemia (lack of oxygen) is when plaque and fatty matter narrow the inside of an artery so much; it cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart. This can cause heart attacks – with or without chest pain and other symptoms. Ischemia happens most during:
Coronary artery disease can get to a point where ischemia happens even when you’re at rest. This is a medical emergency and may lead to a heart attack. If this happens to you, call your doctor or go to the emergency room. Ischemia can happen without warning in anyone with heart disease, although it is more common in people with diabetes.
When your heart doesn’t get enough arterial blood, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Angina (chest discomfort) is the most common symptom of CAD. Some people describe this discomfort as:
These symptoms can also be mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.
Other symptoms of CAD include:
You may experience more symptoms when your blood flow is more restricted. If a blockage cuts off blood flow completely or almost completely, your heart muscle will start to die if not restored. This is a heart attack
Your doctor can tell if you have coronary artery disease after he learns your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors including a physical examination, Diagnostic tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), echocardiogram, exercise stress tests, electron beam (ultrafast) CT scans, cardiac catheterization, and others. These tests help your doctor know the extent of your coronary heart disease, its effect on your heart, and the best treatment for you.
It can involve:
Lifestyle changes: If you smoke, quit. Avoid processed foods and adopt a low-trans-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar diet. Keep your blood sugar in control if you have diabetes. Exercise regularly (but talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program).
Medications: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications may be needed. The drugs you’ll take depend on your situation. If you’ve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you’ll probably be on aspirin and a statin, if not other things. The PCSK9 inhibitor, evolocumab (Repatha) has been shown to significantly lower the risk of heart attack as well as stroke in people with cardiovascular disease.
Learn to recognize your heart disease symptoms and what causes them. Call us at +91-9591991809 if you begin to feel new symptoms or if the ones you’re used to become more frequent or severe. If you or someone you are with has chest pain, especially if there are also things like shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, nausea, or sweating, please reach out us immediately. We are there to help 24×7.
