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.
Arteriosclerosis, or plaque buildup, is a common factor in Ischemic heart disease. Plaque, a result of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, builds up in the vessels that feed the heart causing blockage to occur. This interferes with blood flow to the heart and results in heart attack symptoms to occur. The patient may exhibit signs ranging from shortness of breath to irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Sometimes, there are no symptoms due to damage to the nerves that surround the heart due to heart disease.
As time passes, plaque deposits narrow the arteries causing inefficient blood flow, which can also lead to the development of a type of Ischemic heart disease called angina. Angina Pectoris, or strangling, is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to poor blood supply. This puts the patient at an extremely high risk for heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
High blood pressure, genetics and diabetes are all risk factors for Ischemic Heart Disease. Simple things such as lifestyle changes including weight loss and quitting smoking, can alleviate or eliminate risks for this disease. However, it is very important to note that these changes, while beneficial for everyone will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone having already experienced a heart attack will probably experience another one within five years. Regular visits to a healthcare provider is a great step in monitoring this diseases progression, as well as alleviating or eliminating any additional 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.
Arteriosclerosis, or plaque buildup, is a common factor in Ischemic heart disease. Plaque, a result of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, builds up in the vessels that feed the heart causing blockage to occur. This interferes with blood flow to the heart and results in heart attack symptoms to occur. The patient may exhibit signs ranging from shortness of breath to irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Sometimes, there are no symptoms due to damage to the nerves that surround the heart due to heart disease.
As time passes, plaque deposits narrow the arteries causing inefficient blood flow, which can also lead to the development of a type of Ischemic heart disease called angina. Angina Pectoris, or strangling, is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to poor blood supply. This puts the patient at an extremely high risk for heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
High blood pressure, genetics and diabetes are all risk factors for Ischemic Heart Disease. Simple things such as lifestyle changes including weight loss and quitting smoking, can alleviate or eliminate risks for this disease. However, it is very important to note that these changes, while beneficial for everyone will not cure someone who already has ischemic heart disease. In addition, anyone having already experienced a heart attack will probably experience another one within five years. Regular visits to a healthcare provider is a great step in monitoring this diseases progression, as well as alleviating or eliminating any additional 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 What is Congestive Heart Failure.
