Ischemic Heart Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and risk factors

All you need to know about Ischemic Heart Disease 

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) is a condition when your heart muscle is weakened as a result of a heart attack or coronary artery disease.

What is Ischemic Heart Disease?

The word Ischemic means a condition in which an organ of the body is not receiving enough blood and oxygen or the level of blood and oxygen has been reduced there. Therefore, Ischemic Heart Disease in India is defined as a problem where the blood flow gets completely blocked before reaching the heart muscle. It is also termed coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease. The cause of the blockage is the narrowing of the heart due to a blockage at coronary arteries. And, these arteries provide blood to the heart muscle. Sometimes, the blockage may also occur because of a blood clot or by a plaque technically called atherosclerosis or through constriction of blood vessels. This then results in the heart muscle cells dying, causing a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Usually, people with early-stage of Ischemic Heart Disease do not experience the above-mentioned symptoms of blood flow limitation. But, if it is left untreated, the symptoms are most likely to occur later in life, especially during physical activities or a situation of emotional stress. Also, the condition where the heart muscle lacks an adequate amount of oxygen is called Angina and is very common with patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Common Symptoms

So, here are some early signs that will help you recognize atherosclerosis and angina in a patient with Ischemic Heart Disease:

• You may feel pain or pressure around your chest, especially during exertion or excitement.

• A bit of tightness in areas like arms, back, legs, etc.
• Frequent Indigestion or gas.
• Shortness of breath after doing physical activity.

And, some of the symptoms demanding urgent seriousness are:

• The chest pain or pressure extends to now jaw, back, shoulder, and arms.
• Nausea can also be without vomiting.
• Frequent shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
• Dizziness turned into fainting.
• The skin color of the body or the skin starts getting pale and clammy.

Causes

The cause of Ischemic Heart Disease is only because of the lack of both blood and oxygen in the cells of the heart muscle. There is no other as such reason apart from these two. It may also happen that the plaque may cause complete restriction of blood flowing which ultimately will result in the restriction of oxygen as well. And, this is a life-threatening state. 

This happens only when plaque gets buildup in the walls of coronary arteries. However, people with atherosclerosis are more inclined to be a patient with Ischemic heart disease. And, in some cases, the supply of blood can also get hampered because of coronary artery spasms or formation of blood clots, or a serve illness that increases the requirement of oxygen for the heart. 

 Risk Factors

Numerous risk factors develop the risk of ischemic heart disease and not all of these may not always result in the occurrence of this disease. However, precaution is better than cure. So, you must consider common symptoms, causes, and risk factors altogether before coming to a decision with the help of Medical Tourism in India

• Usage of tobacco.
• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity
• Sleep Apnea
• Laziness and lack of any physical activity
• High Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• History of heart disease in the family.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 1. Is Ischemic Heart Disease Curable?

 No, Ischemic Heart Disease is not curable. But, treatments and medications will help reduce the symptoms and manage the further risk of heart attacks. The treatments may involve the habits improving your lifestyle such as regular exercise, yoga, quitting smoking, etc.

 2. Can Ischemic Heart Disease cause sudden death?

Yes, Ischemic Heart Disease can cause sudden death. It is a globally known disease that leads to sudden death. The chances are more than 80% in these cases.

3. Types of Ischemic Heart Disease?

There are primarily three different types of Ischemic Heart Disease. Obstructive coronary artery disease, Non-obstructive coronary artery disease, and Coronary micro vascular disease. And, sometimes a heart failure is also considered as its type.

4. What is the difference between Ischemic Heart Disease & Heart Failure?

The only difference between Ischemic Heart Disease & Heart Failure is in duration. A disease takes time to grow in the body while the occurrence of heart failure is quick and can even occur without any reason in a few cases. And, not to forget that Ischemic Heart Disease is considered the principal cause of heart failure in western culture.  

Conclusion

No surprise that this disease can even arise in children too. And, the only thing it requires is a healthy lifestyle as the best precaution method to avoid it. Sometimes, medications and treatments also fail to manage the severe symptoms. In that case, doctors recommend coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This surgery removes the plaque and reconnects the blood flow in arteries. It routes the flow of blood through transplanted arteries. 

Therefore, it is of utmost to have a healthy schedule with a balanced diet every day. We must always remember that Health is Wealth. And, health must be our priority on the list so that the body and mind both function well and allow you to live the life of your dream.