A narrowing of the arteries that creates a blockage impeding blood flow to the heart is referred to in medical terms as Ischemic Heart Disease. This disease is the result of cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall which result in hardening of the arteries. When this occurs, blood flow to the heart is either blocked or slowed in flow. When arteries become hardened it is referred to as atherosclerosis. This terminology is interchangeable with another medical term, arteriosclerosis. Both of these terms refer to the decrease or blockage of blood flow to the heart.
Plaque buildup or arteriosclerosis is one common factor in the onset of Ischemic Heart Disease. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the cause for the plaque which in turn results in the blockage of blood vessels which feed the heart. As a result, blockage to the heart occurs which then leads to heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. However, some patients may not even feel these symptoms as heart disease can also damage the nerves surrounding the heart.
As time progresses, Angina will occur. This is when the arteries narrow, creating inefficient blood flow to the heart. This strangling of the heart or Angina Pectoris causes chest pain due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the heart. Patients afflicted with this type of heart disease are at an extremely high risk for attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
Patients at risk for Ischemic heart disease are those with diabetes, family history of heart disease or have high blood pressure. Most often, these risk factors can either be lessened or eliminated completely with simple changes to lifestyle such as losing weight and quitting smoking. These changes are beneficial no matter the situation; however it is important to note that they will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone who has already undergone a heart attack will most likely experience another one within five years. Visiting a healthcare provider on a regular basis will allow them to monitor its progression as well as alleviate or eliminate any future problems from occurring.
Ischemic Heart Disease can be prevented or its severity lessened with lifestyle changes and proper healthcare. Although the thought of changing your ways after twenty to thirty years of constant routine may seem an impossible task, the results and benefits of a longer life are well worth the effort.
Plaque buildup or arteriosclerosis is one common factor in the onset of Ischemic Heart Disease. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the cause for the plaque which in turn results in the blockage of blood vessels which feed the heart. As a result, blockage to the heart occurs which then leads to heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. However, some patients may not even feel these symptoms as heart disease can also damage the nerves surrounding the heart.
As time progresses, Angina will occur. This is when the arteries narrow, creating inefficient blood flow to the heart. This strangling of the heart or Angina Pectoris causes chest pain due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the heart. Patients afflicted with this type of heart disease are at an extremely high risk for attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
Patients at risk for Ischemic heart disease are those with diabetes, family history of heart disease or have high blood pressure. Most often, these risk factors can either be lessened or eliminated completely with simple changes to lifestyle such as losing weight and quitting smoking. These changes are beneficial no matter the situation; however it is important to note that they will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone who has already undergone a heart attack will most likely experience another one within five years. Visiting a healthcare provider on a regular basis will allow them to monitor its progression as well as alleviate or eliminate any future problems from occurring.
Ischemic Heart Disease can be prevented or its severity lessened with lifestyle changes and proper healthcare. Although the thought of changing your ways after twenty to thirty years of constant routine may seem an impossible task, the results and benefits of a longer life are well worth the effort.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge with others. She writes for Clivir.com and provides useful resources on Women Heart Disease Symptoms and Dying Stages of Congestive Heart Failure.
