What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease, which is also known as ischemic heart disease is a condition that occurs owing to the lipid deposition of plaque in coronary arteries. It is termed atherosclerosis which in turn leads to blockages. The artery becomes more rigid and narrow, thus restricting the smooth flow of blood to the heart. It is considered the first stage in the development of the plaque. The most concerning factor of coronary artery disease is that the plaque could rupture causing heart attack which might cause sudden cardiac death due to congestive heart failure.
How do these diseases develop?
At a very young age, cholesterol-laden plaque tends to deposit in the blood vessel walls. As you grow old, deposition of plague increases or burden loads leading to blood clots and massive heart attacks. The plaques release a kind of chemicals that promote the process of healing, but in turn, it makes the inner walls of the blood vessels sticky.
Calcium and inflammatory cells that flow in the bloodstream blend into the existing plaque in the inner walls of the blood vessels. As the number of these cells accumulates along with the cholesterol deposition, it grows into a bigger plaque, as a result, it pushes artery walls outwards.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The prime symptom of Coronary Artery disease is in the form of chest pain. Other main symptoms that might occur include:
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Uneven heartbeats
- Difficulty in breathing
Premature Coronary Artery Disease
Factors that would cause early heart attacks in young people rise due to the hereditary distortion of the coronary artery anatomy, blockage of arteries, clotting of coronary arteries or as mentioned earlier, due to inflammation of the coronary arteries, also hold responsible.
Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease
Treatment aims at lowering the risk of heart attacks, but it cannot be completely cured, Some include:
- Relieving symptoms
- Widening of clogged arteries
- Making some changes in your lifestyle
- Preventing complications of coronary heart diseases
Healthy lifestyle changes are listed below:
- Lessen stress
- Exercise frequently
- Lose surplus weight
- Eat nutritious and healthy food
Various types of medicine available for Coronary Artery Disease
Medication has to be undergone with the guidance of the doctor as it should not be stopped abruptly. They are used to widen your arteries and also help in reducing blood pressure. Some of them include Calcium Channel Blockers, Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, Diuretics, and Nitrates.
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