Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is also known as ARTIOSCELRITIC heart disease.
It is the narrowing of the small blood vessels which provide oxygen and blood to the heart.
The accumulation or collection of fatty materials inside the walls of the coronary arteries causes “Coronary heart or artery disease”.
The accumulation of fatty materials reduces the path for blood flow in the arteries .As the coronary arteries narrow, the blood flow to he heart decreases or stops. This results in chest pain and heart attacks.

Types of Coronary syndromes:
Unstable Angina: The angina (chest pain) occurs more frequently. It occurs more frequently at rest and is more severe.
It is unstable in nature and may lead to heart attack.
Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI): Minimal damage is done in such cases .It is due to the partial or temporary blockage .Heart muscles get damaged in such type of heart attacks.
ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): It is caused by prolonged period of blockage .It also induces changes in the electrical activity of the heart (ECG).
Collateral circulation: Sometimes the blockage in the arteries forces the development of new blood vessels to reroute the blood flow to the heart. This induces “Collateral circulation”.

Risk factors for Coronary artery disease:
1 .Men in their 40s have a higher risk for coronary artery disease.
2. After menopause the risk for coronary heart disease in women increases.
3. Diabetes is also a major risk factor for heart diseases.
4. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure.
5. Smoking also increases the risk of heart related articles.

Symptoms of coronary heart or artery disease:
Angina: It is the most common type of symptom.
The person may feel likes squeezing or pressure on his/her chest.
He/she may also experience some pain in shoulder, neck, jaw or back.
The degree of pain may vary person to person.
Nitroglycerin is the medicine which is used to overcome such pains.
Shortness of breath: The tidal volume of the person tends to decrease
gradually. Breaths per minute of the person increases.
Fatigue and weakness: Women and elderly people suffer more
fatigue and weakness and are more prone to heart failures.

Diagnostic tests:
E.C.G (electrocardiogram): Electrocardiogram is the first and foremost
step while analyzing the functioning of the heart. In this test the electrical activity of the heart is analyzed.
CT scan (computer tomography): Computer tomography reveals the anatomy of the heart and its arteries. It is one of the most advanced diagnostic techniques available.
Tmt (treadmill test): After ECG the patient goes for the TMT. In this test the functioning of the heart under stress is analyzed.
Nuclear Scan: It is one of the safest techniques in diagnosing heart diseases. A radionuclide is tagged with a medicine which is absorbed by the specific muscles of the heart. The images of the functioning of the heart are reconstructed by the emission of gamma rays from the body (heart) of the patient.

Prevention for coronary artery disease:
1. Blood pressure should be controlled. Normal blood pressure values are 120/80.
2. Level of LDL (low density lipids) cholesterol should be maintained below or equal to 100 mg /dl.
3. Green vegetables and fruits should be included in the diet,
4. Smoking should be avoided
5. Stress and tensions should be avoided
6. Regular exercise should be done to keep the heart healthy.