Ischemic Heart Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

What is Ischemic Heart Disease?

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), known as coronary artery disease (CAD), occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, usually due to build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries. This reduced blood flow can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or more severe complications like heart attacks (myocardial infarctions).

Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease

Angina (referred to as angina pectoris) is the first and most common symptom of this condition. You may experience angina when you feel the following —

• Chest pain (mostly what you feel during ingestion or acidity issues)

• Feeling heavy pressure on the chest

• Tightness in the chest muscles

• The feeling of somebody squeezing your chest tightly

• Severe pain or burning sensation

• Numb feeling

• Pain in the neck or jaws

• Abdominal pain

• Pain in the upper body, especially left arm and shoulder

• Back pain

• Breathlessness

• Sweating profusely

• Choking feeling, feeling full always

• Dizziness

• Anxiety

• Nausea

• Heartbeats being fast or irregular

• Fatigue

When these symptoms last for more than 5 minutes, you should immediately seek medical help.

Causes of Ischemic Heart Disease

The primary cause of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle and can lead to ischaemia (lack of oxygen) in the heart. Other contributing factors and conditions that can lead to or worsen IHD includes:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) can damage the arteries and promote atherosclerosis.

2. Elevated levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of narrowing and blockage.

3. Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis, increases blood clotting, and damages blood vessels, all of which contribute to IHD.

4. Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, increases the risk of atherosclerosis and also promotes inflammation in the blood vessels, which can worsen IHD.

5. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which contribute to the development of IHD.

6. Sedentary Lifestyle is a risk factor for obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol, which in turn increase the likelihood of developing IHD.

7. A Family History of heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions increases the likelihood of developing IHD.

8. Diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

9. Excessive Alcohol Consumption can raise blood pressure, contribute to weight gain, and negatively impact heart health.

In addition to these primary risk factors, other conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic kidney disease may also contribute to the development and progression of ischaemic heart disease.

Risk Factors of Ischemic Heart Disease

The main risk factors for IHD include—

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol levels

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• A sedentary lifestyle

• Existing history of cardiac or cardiovascular issues in the family

• Regular user of tobacco, cocaine, and other substances

Diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease

Your doctor will conduct following test to diagnose ischemic heart disease —

• Understanding medical history

• Conducting a physical examination

• Electrocardiogram

• Echocardiogram

• Imaging tests (Chest X-ray, Heart MRI, CT scans)

• Angiogram

• Exercise Stress Test

• Electrophysiology Studies

• Cardiac catheterisation

• Wearable monitors (like Holter Monitor)

Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease

Medications can be prescribed, and doctors may perform certain procedures to treat IHD.

• Non-invasive treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to control symptoms and risk factors, and suggest healthy lifestyle changes.

• Minimal surgical procedures

Sometimes, your doctor may opt for minimally invasive procedures like implanting an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), CRT (cardiac resynchronisation therapy), PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention), atherectomy, and more. In some cases, depending on the condition, doctors may also perform a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

FAQs

1. Is it possible to cure ischemic heart disease?

Yes, ischemic heart disease is a condition where your heart muscles don’t get enough blood and oxygen from your coronary arteries. If identified on time, this condition can be treated with medications and certain surgical procedures.

2. Which exercises can help reduce my risk of ischemic heart disease?

Leading a healthy lifestyle and regular physical exercises are good for your heart. However, simple aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, running, swimming, and jogging are good for heart health.