The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is defined as decreased blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries. The obstruction results from cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall interrupting the flow of blood to the heart. The deposits harden causing hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, which is a medical term sometimes interchanged with arteriosclerosis. Both have the same affect, whereby both impede blood flow to 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.
As time progresses, Angina will occur. This is when the arteries narrow, creating inefficient blood flow to the heart. This strangling of the heart or Angina Pectoris causes chest pain due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the heart. Patients afflicted with this type of heart disease are at an extremely high risk for attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.
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. - 17274
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.
As time progresses, Angina will occur. This is when the arteries narrow, creating inefficient blood flow to the heart. This strangling of the heart or Angina Pectoris causes chest pain due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the heart. Patients afflicted with this type of heart disease are at an extremely high risk for attack and cardiac arrhythmia.
People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.
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. - 17274
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge with others. She writes for Clivir.com and provides useful resources on Women Heart Disease Symptoms and What is Congestive Heart Failure.
posted by X - Men at
3:47 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home