Learn the Causes of Ischemic Heart Disease: In-Depth Insights

Ischaemic heart disease is a leading supporter of the global burden of cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Ischaemia is the scientific name for insufficient blood flow to a specific area due to obstruction in one or more coronary arteries. 

Ischaemic disorders are also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), or ischaemic heart disease. Low blood and oxygen levels impact the heart. The most prevalent cause of cardiovascular narrowing (atherosclerosis) is plaque formation. However, it can also be due to blood clots or constricted vessels. The narrowing of the blood vessels is also associated with persistent chest pain (angina), a common indication of cardiac issues.

The decreased blood flow reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart muscle. Although the progression is slow, it can lead to severe health complexities. Alternatively, it could happen fast if an artery suddenly becomes clogged. So, if you are wondering what is the main cause of ischaemic heart disease, it includes the following:

1. Smoking: Tobacco contains chemicals that thicken the blood and form clots inside the blood vessels. These can block the coronary artery, leading to ischaemic heart disease.
2. Obesity: Excess body weight can result in type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. This can increase the risk of heart disease. 
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Increased blood pressure can harden the arteries. Subsequently narrowing the coronary arteries and slowing down the blood flow. 
4. High Cholesterol Level: Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) pose a cardiac threat. These can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries.
5. Atherosclerosis: Caused by plaque (composed of cholesterol) buildup on arterial walls. It is the main reason for myocardial ischaemia due to narrowing arteries and obstructed blood flow. 
6. Clotting: Due to the plaque rupture, patients can experience blood clot formation in the body. These can block an artery and cause abrupt, acute myocardial ischaemia. Although rare, a blood clot from another body part may migrate to the coronary artery.
7. Angina Pectoris Spasm: Part of the heart muscle may experience a momentary reduction or complete restriction in blood flow due to transient contraction of the arterial wall muscles.

Preventing ischaemic heart disease involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors. Here are key strategies for prevention:

1. Quit Smoking: Tobacco is a major contributor to heart disease. Quitting it can have immediate and long-term health benefits.
2. Physiological Management: High levels of bad cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar can increase the risk of heart disease. It is essential to monitor these and keep them within a healthy range regularly. 
3. Eat a Healthy Diet: Consume a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the salt intake to regulate the blood pressure. Moreover, avoid foods with saturated fats like butter, cream, cakes, biscuits, etc. Why? Because it can increase bad cholesterol levels in the blood.  
4. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise enhances the efficiency of your heart and circulatory system. It reduces cholesterol levels and helps maintain healthy blood pressure. This reduces the risk of heart disease.

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is treated using a multimodal strategy that aims to improve overall cardiac health, avoid complications, and relieve symptoms. Treatment modalities might consist of:

Medicines:

Certain medications can reduce chest pain and address other conditions contributing to coronary heart disease. These may include:

1. Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Beta-Blockers: These drugs lower blood pressure. 
2. Calcium Channel Blockers: To lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels.
3. Nitrates: Nitroglycerin or other nitrates can relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries.
4. Statins: Drugs that decrease cholesterol levels.

Surgery:

Heart surgical procedures may be used to treat more chronic ischaemic heart disease. Some approaches include: 

1. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): A catheter opens the coronary arteries narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. A stent may be placed to prevent the artery from contracting again.
2. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Healthy blood vessels bypass the blocked arteries, improving blood flow to the heart. It is performed for people with severe ischaemic heart disease in multiple coronary arteries. 
3. Coronary Endarterectomy: Addresses severe angina associated with coronary heart disease when alternative treatments are risky or ineffective.

Ischaemic heart disease is a primary worldwide health concern that results from insufficient blood flow caused by constricted or clogged coronary arteries. Providing a prompt diagnosis and holistic treatment strategy, including non-invasive or surgical techniques, is critical. 

To understand the causes of ischaemic heart disease, contact the HexaHealth team. Their specialists offer easy access to individualised treatment plans, medical consultations, and a network of highly respected healthcare providers.

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