Ischemic Heart Disease, also known as coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease, is a medical condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, primarily due to the buildup of fatty deposits known as plaques in the arterial walls.
When the coronary arteries are partially or completely blocked, the heart muscle does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, leading to ischemia (lack of blood flow) and subsequent damage to the heart tissue. This insufficiency of blood flow typically results in chest pain or discomfort, known as angina, which is a common symptom of ischemic heart disease.
Over time, the diminished blood supply can cause serious complications including a heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms. Certain risk factors contribute to the development of ischemic heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Age and a family history of heart disease also increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diagnosis of ischemic heart disease involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and various tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), stress testing, stress echocardiography, coronary angiography, or nuclear heart scan, among others. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment options may include medications to manage symptoms, lifestyle modifications (such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress reduction), or medical procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.
