Coronary Artery Disease is one of the more prevalent heart ailments with millions of people affected globally. It occurs when the coronary arteries that are meant to supply oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or ‘blocked’ due to the excess presence of plaque. This progression may lead to heart ailments such as an attack, pain in the chest region, and numerous other cardiovascular problems.
In this blog post, we’ll find out what coronary heart disease is, how it develops, and how did Dr. Viveka, a renowned Heart Doctor in Delhi, come up with several treatment method factors that are to help manage and treat this disease.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease of the coronary arteries that is characterized by narrowing and ‘blocking’ of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Development of plaque, which is fetid fat, cholesterol, and other foreign substances, in the arteries is the primary cause of this ailment. In the progression of this disease, the plaque hardens over time which makes the arteries narrow and the blood flow to the heart is restricted.
One is bound to suffer from pain in the chest region which is called angina accompanied with difficulty in breathing when the heart fails to receive an adequate amount of supply of blood and oxygen. CAD is a progressive ailment that means if left untreated, it will worsen over time.
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
There are several factors that result in the formation of coronary artery disease including:
- Elevated Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol usually leads to plaque formation that eventually blocks arteries.
- Hypertension: Persistently high blood pressure can harm artery walls which may lead to CAD.
- Smoking: Use of cigarettes usually speeds up plaque formation and causes severe damage to blood vessels.
- Diabetes: High levels of blood sugar can erode blood vessels and allow plaque to stick easily.
- Obesity: Extra weight on the body increases the chance of excessive cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and other factors that worsen CAD.
- Family history: Heart problems among close relatives enhance chance of CAD.
- Lack of Exercise: Absence of any type of exercise can lead to obesity and high cholesterol which are both negative factors when it comes to CAD.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Most CAD patients do not show any discomforting symptoms until the ailment reaches an advanced stage. The patients suffering from CAD usually experience the following symptoms:
- Chest Pain: A feeling of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest, stimulated by both mental and physical stress.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty taking a breath, especially during activities like running.
- Fatigue: Unexplainable body tiredness even after those activities where energy is exerted.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This might happen due to the slow blood movement to the heart.
- Heart palpitations: This is a rate of how fast or weak the heart beats that you can feel or hear.
Even though medical assistance is required, diagnosis and early treatment are important so that these conditions do not escalate into heart failure or heart attacks.
Treatments for Coronary Artery Disease
Dr. Viveka, a leading Heart Doctor in Delhi, has a great interest in coronary artery disease because treatment approaches for this disease rely on the magnitude of the disease. As a result, he adopts customized methods that include medications, lifestyle adaptations, and, where necessary, surgery.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Those who have just been diagnosed with CAD can start with changing their habits. The following list contains some treatment options which involve the modification of lifestyle.
- Ensure intake of fruits and vegetables: Reduces plaque to lower cholesterol.
- Regular exercise: Strengthens heart, improves circulation, and helps manage weight.
- Smoking cessation: Reducing further heart and artery damage.
- Stress management: Monitoring blood pressure.
2. Medication
A significant number of patients require medications to treat CAD and avoid complications. The most widely used medications include:
- Statins: These medicines are responsible for reducing cholesterol and preventing plaque deposits in the arteries.
- Beta-blockers: These medicines facilitate blood circulation by easing the heart’s workload.
- Antiplatelet agents: Medicines such as aspirin inhibit plaque formation in the arteries, which decreases the chances of heart attacks.
- ACE inhibitors: These medicines dilate blood vessels, which makes it simpler for the heart to pump blood and reduces the need for oxygen.
Dr. Viveka, known as one of the Best TAVI Expert in India, will assist you in formulating the optimal treatment plan according to your medical history.
3. Angioplasty and Stenting
If CAD is at an advanced stage, angioplasty needs to be performed. This therapy aims to restore perfusion through the artery by mechanically widening the narrowed region. To do this, a catheter with an inflatable balloon on its tip is inserted and guided to the site of the lesion, where the balloon is inflated. A stent, which is a tiny tube made of wire mesh, is generally inserted to the affected artery to keep it open and ensure normal blood circulation.
4. Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
In the case of patients suffering from severe coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has to be performed. This surgery entails the use of healthy blood vessels from other areas of the body to create new channels for blood within arteries that have been blocked. CABG can greatly improve symptoms by increasing blood circulation to the heart.
Prevention: Taking Action Towards Reducing the Chances of CAD
Preventive procedures to this cardiac ailment which is CAD is imperative for one’s heart. Dr. Viveka, recognized as one of the Best TAVI Expert in India, further explains a few familiar methods of preventive measures towards CAD which include:
- Managing one’s weight: Eat well and exercise often to avoid weight gain.
- Shifting diet: Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and healthy oils.
- Staying physically active: Working out for half an hour a day on most days can elevate heart health.
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol: A person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be monitored periodically for early CAD signs.
- Controlling diabetes: The arteries can be seriously injured due to blood sugar that is uncontrolled. Proper management of it may prevent such issues.
Conclusion
Disease of the coronary arteries is a complex problem, but it can be handled easily. With adequate planning and treatment, all risks of complications like heart failure can be lowered. Dr. Viveka specializes in CAD treatments and has developed various educational resources for patients. He offers tailored CAD management plans for every individual.
Book your consultation with Dr. Viveka now, even if you sense there is a problem with your heart.
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