| What is Ischemic Heart Disease - Are You At Risk? |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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Narrowed coronary arteries cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart. This ailment is also referred to as Ischemic Heart Disease. The reason for the narrowed arteries is cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall, thus creating a blockage that hampers the free flow of blood to the heart. These deposits harden and cause the arteries to harden as well. The medical term used to describe this is atherosclerosis. In addition, this term is most often interchangeable with arteriosclerosis. Both of these ailments are identical in that they both prevent blood flow from reaching the heart.
Narrowed coronary arteries cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart. This ailment is also referred to as Ischemic Heart Disease. The reason for the narrowed arteries is cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall, thus creating a blockage that hampers the free flow of blood to the heart. These deposits harden and cause the arteries to harden as well. The medical term used to describe this is atherosclerosis. In addition, this term is most often interchangeable with arteriosclerosis. Both of these ailments are identical in that they both prevent blood flow from reaching the heart. High cholesteril and triglyceride levels are what creates the placque buildup or arteriosclerosis. When this occurs, blockage occurs in the blood vessels which are the life giving forces that feed the heart. Once this has occurred, the blockage to the heart will result in heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. However, if heart disease was already present, the patient will not feel these symptoms as the nerves surronding the heart have already been damaged. Angina will eventually occur as time passes. This affliction, commonly referred to as the strangling of the heart and known in medical terms as Angina Pectoris, is a result of the lack of oxygen due to poor blood flow to the heart as a result of blockage. Anyone with this type of heart disease is at a greater risk for experiencing a heart attack or 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. There is good news regarding ischemic heart disease. It is able to be prevented or its severity lessened with proper healthcare and lifestyle changes. Though these changes may seem a daunting task after being set in your ways for twenty to thirty years, the results of these changes are well worth the effort. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. A licensed registered nurse with great passion for writing, Barb Hicks loves to share her knowledge about Heart Disease Types with others. You can find more of her lessons including Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmia on Clivir.com. |