Ischemic Heart Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Cost and Side Effects
Last Updated: Mar 15, 2023
What is Ischemic heart disease?
Ischemic heart disease refers to the situation when the heart muscles do not receive the required blood. It leads to recurring chest pain along with discomfort. Due to lack of oxygen, the heart is not able to perform normally hence it causes severe complications later on. Some of their common names are coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease.
Symptoms of ischemic heart disease
Common and serious signs of ischemic heart disease include-
Chest discomfort- Your chest may feel tight or under strain. Some claim that the sensation is similar to having someone stand on their chest. The middle or left side of the chest is the main location for chest pain.
Shortness of breath- You can experience difficulty breathing.
Indigestion- may feel like reflux or gas.
Chest pressure- you may feel pressure, heaviness, or tightness that spreads to your arms, back or other places.
Moreover, it causes certain severe symptoms, including-
- Clammy skin
- Severe chest pain
- Rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
What are the causes of ischemic heart disease?
The amount of oxygenated blood that reaches the heart muscle is decreased due to narrowing coronary arteries in ischemic heart disease. The heart muscle does not get the amount of oxygen it needs to work effectively if there is not enough blood flow.
Some well-known causes of Ischemic heart disease include-
- Narrow arteries due to plaque buildup
- Inadequate supply of oxygen
- Atherosclerosis
- Blood clots
- Any underlying disorder
- Coronary artery spasm
How to diagnose ischemic heart disease?
Doctors follow Ischemic Heart Disease ICD 10 for its diagnosis. For a detailed diagnosis of Ischemic heart disease, these diagnostic procedures are applied-
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Coronary angiography
- Cardiac CT Scan
- Nuclear stress test
- Electrocardiogram
What are the treatments for ischemic heart disease?
Treatment for myocardial ischemia is to increase the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Your doctor might advise drugs, surgery, or a combination of the two depending on the seriousness of your disease.
The following drugs can be used to treat myocardial ischemia:
Aspirin- A daily dose of aspirin or another blood thinner can lower your chance of developing blood clots, which may help stop coronary artery blockage. Before beginning to take aspirin, see your doctor because it may not be appropriate if you have a bleeding issue or are currently using another blood thinner.
Nitrates- These drugs open up the arteries, enhancing the flow of blood to and from the heart. Your heart will work less hard because of improved blood flow
Beta Blockers- These drugs lower blood pressure, relax the heart muscle, and slow the beating to allow for easier blood flow to the heart.
Calcium Channel Blockers- These drugs relax and expand blood arteries, enhancing heart blood flow. Calcium channel blockers also lower the workload on your heart and moderate your pulse.
Drugs that reduce cholesterol- These drugs lessen the main substance that builds up in the coronary arteries.
Ranolazine (Ranexa)- Your coronary arteries are relaxed by this medicine, which reduces angina. Other angina drugs like calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, or nitrates may also be administered along with ranolazine.
Techniques to increase blood flow
To increase blood flow, more aggressive treatment is occasionally required. Techniques that could be useful include:
Stenting and angioplasties- Your artery's narrowed section is entered using a long, thin tube (catheter). The artery is widened by inserting a wire carrying a tiny balloon there and inflating it. To keep the artery open, a tiny wire mesh coil known as a stent is typically placed.
Coronary artery bypass surgery- In order to construct a graft that permits blood to pass through the blocked or constricting coronary artery, a surgeon utilises a vascular from another region of your body. This kind of open-heart surgery is typically only performed on patients with several constricted coronary arteries.
Increased external counterpulsation- If other therapies have failed, this non-invasive outpatient treatment could be suggested. Your legs are encased in cuffs that are softly inflated with air before being deflated. Your blood arteries will be put under pressure, which could improve the flow of blood to your heart.
What are the risk factors for ischemic heart disease?
The likelihood of getting ischemic heart disease is influenced by a variety of variables. Not everyone at risk will get ischemic heart disease.
Ischemic heart disease often gets triggered by some risk factors. Some are-
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- High cholesterol level
- Physical inactivity
- Genetics
- Smoking
Who is eligible for Ischemic Heart Disease treatment?
Anyone who experiences some of the Ischemic Heart Disease symptoms like recurring chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, etc. must visit the doctor. He/she must get a complete diagnosis and if diagnosed then go for a proper Ischemic Heart Disease treatment from an experienced doctor.
Who is not eligible for the Ischemic Heart Disease treatment?
There is no need to get tested or treated for ischemic heart disease if you do not have any chest discomfort.
Are there any side effects of Ischemic Heart Disease treatment?
Ischemic heart disease often leads to some possible complications, such as-
- Congestive heart failure
- Arrhythmia
- Recurrent heart attack
- Chronic angina
What are the post-treatment ischemic heart disease treatments?
After the complete Ischemic Heart Disease treatment, doctors often provide some post-treatment guidelines to smoothen the recovery process. Some of them are-
- Take medications as prescribed
- Take proper rest
- Avoid pressure on the affected area
- Have light meals
- Keep yourself hydrated
How long does it take to recover?
It can take anywhere between two and three months to heal. It's crucial to start making lifestyle adjustments now that can reduce your risk of experiencing another heart attack later on. They consist of increasing your daily physical activity, eating heart-healthy, and giving up smoking.
What is the price of ischemic heart disease treatment in India?
The price of Ischemic Heart Disease treatment in India usually lies between 2- 10 lakhs rupees. It is quite high due to various tests associated with the treatment. However, it may vary too.
Are the results of the ischemic heart disease treatment permanent?
The outcomes are typically permanent unless the patient resumes their unhealthy lifestyle and disregards their prescriptions and subsequent doctor's appointments.
What are the alternatives to the treatment?
Surgery is not usually necessary for the treatment of ischaemic heart disease. Other approaches, such as adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight, can help manage coronary artery disease. managing stress, engaging in regular physical activity, and giving up vices like drinking and smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can ischemic heart disease be cured?
How long can you live with ischaemic heart disease?
Can stress cause ischemia?
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Is ischemia a permanent condition?
What organ is affected by ischemic heart disease?
References
- Ischemic Heart Disease- NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute [Internet]. nhlbi.nih.gov [Cited 05 August 2019]. Available from:
- Coronary Artery Disease- Medline Plus, Health Topics, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 05 August 2019]. Available from:
- Coronary heart disease- Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 05 August 2019]. Available from:
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