Last updated on January 10, 2022
Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review), Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
Last updated on January 10, 2022
The heart is one of the most important organs we have. It pumps oxygenated blood that also supplies nutrition, hormones and other vital substances to other parts of the body. With all these functions, the heart is essential for human survival. However, just like every other organ, the heart is also susceptible to infections, disease and damage. When this happens, we must know exactly what we’re dealing with and how to treat the heart, as timely intervention is essential. With the right kind of treatment and lifestyle changes, one can lead a happy, successful life.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a major reason for deaths across India. It happens because of the prevalence of risk factors of CVDs in the country.
Heart disease can prove fatal, but you can still manage it greatly in many ways by visiting a cardiologist when you experience the signs. A few of the early signs of heart disease include chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the jaw, back, neck or upper abdomen. Even if you have a diagnosis of say, a blockage in the heart, a cardiologist will be able to prescribe the right treatment for blockage in heart depending upon the condition of your heart. There are different types of heart diseases and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of them.
Men and women aged 20 to 59 years are almost at the same risk of CAD disease. After 60 years, the percentage in men rises from 19.9 to 32.2% whereas in women it is 9.7 to 18.8%. Here we have compiled complete information on CAD that includes coronary heart disease causes, treatments to follow, CAD symptoms, coronary artery disease risk factors and so on.
This article also discusses the treatment for blockage in the heart, diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes and many other things to maintain a healthy heart. The information provided in the article will help you understand how the blockage happens and you can get it treated effectively.
The heart is one of the most important organs we have. It pumps oxygenated blood that also supplies nutrition, hormones and other vital substances to other parts of the body. With all these functions, the heart is essential for human survival. However, just like every other organ, the heart is also susceptible to infections, disease and damage. When this happens, we must know exactly what we’re dealing with and how to treat the heart, as timely intervention is essential. With the right kind of treatment and lifestyle changes, one can lead a happy, successful life.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a major reason for deaths across India. It happens because of the prevalence of risk factors of CVDs in the country.
Heart disease can prove fatal, but you can still manage it greatly in many ways by visiting a cardiologist when you experience the signs. A few of the early signs of heart disease include chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the jaw, back, neck or upper abdomen. Even if you have a diagnosis of say, a blockage in the heart, a cardiologist will be able to prescribe the right treatment for blockage in heart depending upon the condition of your heart. There are different types of heart diseases and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of them.
Men and women aged 20 to 59 years are almost at the same risk of CAD disease. After 60 years, the percentage in men rises from 19.9 to 32.2% whereas in women it is 9.7 to 18.8%. Here we have compiled complete information on CAD that includes coronary heart disease causes, treatments to follow, CAD symptoms, coronary artery disease risk factors and so on.
This article also discusses the treatment for blockage in the heart, diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes and many other things to maintain a healthy heart. The information provided in the article will help you understand how the blockage happens and you can get it treated effectively.
Written by
BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)
Reviewed by
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs
The coronary artery disease occurs because the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart, get narrowed, hardened and blocked. This happens because of the buildup of cholesterol and several other unnecessary materials known as plaque. The accumulation occurs at the inner walls of the coronary arteries of the heart. The condition is referred to as coronary atherosclerosis and since the build up keeps increasing, it leads to reduced flow of blood through arteries to and from other parts of the body. Atherosclerosis prevention involves adopting lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, staying physically active, managing stress and following the diet chart for heart patients.
Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD) tends to develop after the building up of cholesterol on the artery walls. This can reduce the flow, causing inflammation and hardening of the walls. A clot can lead to obstruction in the blood flow, causing other health problems. That’s why it is crucial to know about arterial blockage in the heart and the treatment for blockage in heart.
Coronary artery blockage is also known as ischemic heart disease. The cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis, the process of building up plaque consisting of fatty substances, cholesterol, waste products, fibrin (the clot-making substance and calcium. Due to this, it damages the left coronary artery branches, with the right ones stopping or limiting the flow.
In India, there is a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The CAD disease is the most common type and is higher among Indian men. The percentage of people suffering from coronary atherosclerosis is up to 89 to 300% higher among Indian men than white people in the US.
The coronary artery blockage can even lead to a heart attack and has increased four-fold in rural areas and seven folds in urban areas from 1970 to 2013. the CAD family history is a matter of growing concern, especially for people above 54 years. Also, it is said that men are at a higher risk of heart diseases compared to women. Considering that, knowing the treatment for blockage in heart is essential to eliminate the problem.
This health condition develops gradually and age is the strongest risk factor. Hence, as you grow old, it is always recommended to be under the doctor’s guidance and keep your health in check. However, it is highly imperative to gather basic information about CAD including types of coronary artery disease.
The CAD disease can happen to anyone, but the speed varies as to how quickly it develops from one human being to another. It can start even when you are young and it starts showing fat streaks before your teen years. When the plaque begins developing in the heart’s coronary arteries, your body fights against the process. It happens because white blood cells attack cholesterol. But the attack causes inflammation; thus, triggering other cells to form a soft cap above the plaque.
The accumulation of thin caps can break open, and blood cell fragments cause a clot to form. It narrows both right coronary artery branches and left coronary artery branches. At times, the clot can break on its own, while at other times, it can deprive the heart of getting oxygen, leading to an attack. It is how coronary atherosclerosis happens, and if it happens, you must look for proper treatment.
There are many reasons why coronary artery blockage is common. They are family history, age, high blood cholesterol levels, smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, diabetes and obesity, and many more such aspects. In this situation, you must always consider getting the right treatment for blockage in the heart and knowing about the heart blockage angiogram is also important.
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When the coronary arteries of the heart narrow, it reduces the flow of blood. It happens because the plaque starts building. Some of the signs and symptoms are:
Frequent chest pain or angina: You might feel tightness and intense pressure in your chest. It might feel like someone is standing on it. This uneasiness happens either on the left or middle side of the chest. Additionally, it can be triggered by emotional and physical stress. However, it goes away after you stop the stressful activity.
Dizziness and fatigue: As the flow of oxygenated blood is disrupted, the heart will take more time to pump. In addition, it causes dizziness and fatigue and you might weak and tired.
Shortness of breath: When the heart cannot pump enough blood to accomplish the body’s needs, it can develop extreme fatigue and shortness of breath while performing any activity. It is one of the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Heart attack and heartburns: Heart attacks and heartburns are caused by completely blocked arteries leading to a cardiac arrest. The symptoms of blockage in the heart include crushing pressure in the chest and also pain starts developing in the arm or shoulder. Women might face more typical signs( pain in the jaw and back, nausea, vomiting) compared to men.
Cold sweats and feeling of uneasiness or anxiety
If anyone in your family is experiencing these symptoms of blockage in the heart, diagnosis is the first step to go ahead with. They must visit a doctor at the earliest for proper management of the condition. The patient should not exert at this time.
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Now that we know what Coronary Artery Disease is, let’s take a look at some of the reasons the blockage in the heart can occur. The causes can be anything from the lifestyle of the individual, to pre-existing conditions that make them more susceptible to Coronary Artery Disease.
High deposits of cholesterol due to improper diet or extreme stress: high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides increase the risk of heart diseases and show CAD symptoms. It can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in blood vessels)
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the arteries over time. So, people with diabetes may develop signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Consumption of tobacco: People smoking have higher chances of developing heart diseases, like coronary artery diseases. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of blockage in the heart.
Being obese or overweight: Poor dietary choices and unhealthy lifestyle choices may cause people to become overweight. Excess weight gain can lead to obesity, which in turn, can increase the risk of developing CAD.
No physical activity: Lack of physical activity is another coronary artery disease cause. Today, people have become so busy with their professional lives that they do not have enough time to play or exercise. In this situation, there is a high chance of experiencing symptoms of blockage in the heart.
Factors like age(above 55 years), sex(male), family history of heart diseases, unhealthy diet increase the risk of CAD.
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Blockages in the heart tend to develop over time, due to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Because of this, an earlier diagnosis can help the patients, as treatment can begin before the block fully develops. Various diagnostic tests can be used to predict the development of coronary heart disease. Some of them are listed below:
Exercise stress tests: For the right treatment for blockage in the heart, you have to undergo a few tests first. The stress test is one of them where your heart function is accessed while at rest or doing physical activity. It monitors the electrical activity of the heart while riding a bike or walking on a treadmill. Specialists often prescribe this test to find out the condition of your heart. For a portion of the test, you might also need to go for nuclear imaging. If anyone cannot perform the physical exercise, they are given certain medications to bring similar effects.
EKG (electrocardiograph): This test will monitor the electrical signals travelling through the heart. The reading of EKG helps to determine if your heart is functioning properly. If not, they will prescribe some medicines that will avoid a heart attack.
Blood tests: Your doctor can prescribe some blood tests like lipid profile, cardiac biomarkers, coagulation profile, D-dimer, CBC, etc to understand the risks and evaluate your health
Cardiac catheterization: Here, the lumen of the blood vessels of your heart is checked by inserting a flexible and thin tube. It is inserted through an artery in the arm, groin or neck to reach the heart. Using this technique, heart specialists can determine the presence and location of any blockage or plaque deposits in the coronary blood vessels. It will help in opting for the right treatment as per your health condition.
Echocardiogram: Echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan monitoring the structure and pumping of your heart. This test uses sound waves to get a video image and based on that, the treatment for blockage in the heart is decided.
Coronary Angiography: Coronary angiography is also one of the most significant tests that should be performed. The procedure makes use of X-ray imaging and injection of dye, so that blood vessels are visible.
It is important to consult your healthcare provider to find out which diagnostic test you must undergo to facilitate a proper diagnosis of coronary artery disease. In addition, you should also be under the appropriate guidance of doctors to provide the right medication during emergencies. Also, knowing about coronary vasodilators (Medicines that open up the arteries) in this regard would be crucial.
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For the proper treatment for blockage in the heart, there are two ways. One is by medications and the second one is through surgical procedures. We have all heard about cardiac bypass surgery. Here are a few other treatment options for blockage in the heart.
Surgical Procedures: The surgical procedures depend on the patient’s health condition and a cardiologist will prescribe the procedure that is most appropriate for them.
Intervention procedures (stenting): One option for the treatment for blockage in the heart is stent placement and coronary angioplasty. A heart surgeon inserts a catheter into the artery, passing a deflated balloon to the affected area. While the balloon is inflated, the fatty deposits compress against the walls. To keep it open, they might even use a mesh tube or stent.
EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation): Here inflatable cuffs are used to squeeze the blood vessels and open the collaterals. It helps in improving the flow of blood and then prepares natural bypasses around the blocked area. EECP is a non-invasive treatment option for chronic stable angina (chest pain).
CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft): In a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, the doctor will make an incision on your chest to get access to your heart. After this, they can remove the diseased section or sections of your artery and then connect the healthy parts so that there is no blockage. Sometimes, the diseased sections can be replaced by a small portion of an artery from another part of the body, such as the leg. This way, the blood will bypass the blocked portion without any trouble.
There are quite a few medications for treatment for blockage of the heart. Your doctor will prescribe a few medicines to you based on the severity of your symptoms and your underlying conditions. These medications can help in reducing the symptoms and improving the outlook. Make sure to never self-medicate and always follow the dosage as prescribed by your doctor.
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Home remedies and lifestyle changes can help in preventing blockages and controlling the progression of CAD. It helps in eliminating the coronary artery disease risk factors, leading to a healthy life. These are:
Quit smoking: Many people do not understand that smoking leads to heart attack or other problems. To prevent those issues from happening, they must stop smoking; otherwise, even the consumption of medications might not be so effective.
Maintain a balanced diet: Healthy lifestyle is the first step towards coronary artery disease treatment. Your diet is one such thing that you must change to improve the health of your heart. A low-fat or a low-sodium diet rich in vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of heart disease complications. A suitable diet you can follow is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Your diet should contain heart-healthy foods, which can improve the condition of the heart.
Cut down processed and fatty foods: By replacing fatty and processed foods with a healthy diet, you can reduce CAD risk. The food that prevents heart diseases is whole grains, fish, vegetables and fruits, poultry, and vegetable oils. Remember that there are specific oils available for heart patients in the market, and you can use them to prepare food.
Regular check on blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels: You should always be under the guidance of specialists. Look for a routine check on blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Keeping all these parameters in mind will help eliminate blockage and opt for the right coronary artery disease treatment. If required, you must go for some blood tests once in three months to keep all health parameters in check.
Stay active and practise physical exercises: Staying active and practising physical activity is another way to keep your heart healthy. You can opt for different exercises for heart patients: brisk walking, cycling, swimming, jumping rope and playing tennis. Doctors also prescribe to opt for heart-pumping aerobic exercises for at least 150 minutes per week. However, make sure to consult your doctor regarding the exercises you must avoid, as certain exercises can put your heart under pressure.
Focus on lowering stress and improving mental health: If you face any coronary heart disease symptoms, focusing on reducing stress is another thing to look for. Additionally, you must improve your mental health as all these have significant effects on your heart. If required, you must do some yoga or opt for meditation to lower stress.
It is worth noting that for people who take treatments for coronary artery disease, the outlook is pretty good. The five year survival rate for the patients is at 73%, meaning most of the people who took the treatment could survive for more than 5 years. However, when CAD is coupled with other conditions, such as hypertension or congestive heart failure, the overall survival rate drops. This is why it is important to always monitor your health and seek appropriate treatment from your doctor.
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It is difficult to cure coronary artery disease, but proper treatment can help in reducing the symptoms that lead to heart attacks. It includes things like regular exercising, being under the guidance of a heart specialist, and quitting smoking.
To some extent, treating coronary artery disease is possible at home. It slows or prevents the progression of the disease in your body. The things that you can follow at home are to stop smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But this should be accompanied by doctor prescribed treatment and routine heart check ups
The right time to consult a doctor is when you encounter the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. It can be chest pain, dizziness, fatigue or shortness of breath. Whenever you encounter such problems, make sure to speak with the specialists to get the right treatment. You should consult a doctor for a preventive check-up even if you are above 55 yrs of age or pose any of the risk factors. In that way, you can avoid heart attacks, heart failure, and other complications. The difference between heart attack and heart failure is heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is suddenly cut off, while heart failure happens when the heart is unable to pump blood as efficiently as it should.
Four stages of CAD diseases are there – Stage A, B, C, and D and it ranges from high to developing heart failure. Stage A is the first one and is a pre-heart failure. Here the heart is at an increased risk of developing a failure because of other medical conditions or family history. The other health problems leading to coronary heart disease are diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension or cancer drugs.
An average woman above the age of 50 years can live for 7.9 years with this disease. However, a man can live for 6.7 years, depending on other health parameters also.
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