The Truth about Ischemic Heart Disease - Popular Myths and the True Facts of This Disease

Ischemic heart disease continues to be one of the deadliest heart diseases as more people are developing bad health habits and practices. Ischemic heart disease is currently one of the most common causes of death in the Western hemisphere. This disease is also the most prevalent reason for a majority of hospital admissions. It is both a fierce and feared disease for it has destroyed the lives of a lot of people and account for a large percentage of those with chronic diseases. The scary signs and symptoms of this disease are quite visible in a victim’s overall well being, performance, and behavior. Body system’s deterioration is apparent when one catches this cardiovascular illness as it affects not only the vital process of circulation but also reduces the vigor and health of the human body as a whole.

It is a disease known for the development of ischemia or a reduced blood supply within the heart muscle. This is usually attributed to coronary artery diseases such as atherosclerosis. There are a lot of preventive measures that combat the development of ischemic heart disease altogether. Preventive measures such as following a healthy diet are observed as this practice decreases the risk of complications and the appearance of signs and symptoms. However it is still very much imperative that people understand more about this deadly disease so they can be more educated about the risk factors and formulate ways on how they can efficiently battle with this chronic and debilitating cardiovascular illness.

Myth 1 – The risk of developing ischemic heart disease is virtually the same for most age groups. There is no increase in risk upon aging.

Fact 1 – This myth is totally false as a true key factor of this disease is increase in the risk of developing ischemia which inherently comes with age. As a person gets older, the susceptibility of developing ischemic heart disease sharply increases. It is now known that the increase in age greatly weakens the human body’s defenses against organs and systems deterioration, which are most of the time, untreatable and irreversible.

Myth 2 – Ischemic heart disease is equally common among men and women. It does not discriminate regarding gender and endangers both to the same degree.

Fact 2 – This heart disease is inherently more common in men. It is not close to being considered equal as there have been far more cases in men rather than in women. Additionally, the risk also increases if an individual has a family history of heart disease.

Myth 3- Diabetes, high cholesterol levels and hypertension only are aggravating factors and minimally affect the overall condition of ischemic heart disease patients.

Fact 3 – These three medical conditions sadly increase both the risk and effects of this terrible disease. Diabetes, high cholesterol levels and hypertension are considered predisposing factors for individuals who are at high risk of developing this type of heart disease.

Myth 4 – Only a small portion of patients with this disease experience acute chest pains. A majority of patients only feel discomfort, weakness, and less intense pain in the chest area while others produce heavy non-acute chest pains.

Fact 4 – Contrary to popular belief, a very large portion of those with this cardiovascular disease experience acutely intense chest pains. Research has shown that acute chest pains always go hand in hand with ischemic heart disease. This is considered as one of the worst symptoms as it has a direct relationship to the heart region. This symptom should definitely be taken seriously. Any level of pain which is felt proximal to the chest area should be checked and a consult may be of necessity to investigate what triggers these pain occurrences.

Myth 5 – The incidence of swollen extremities among ischemic heart disease patients is not a direct complication or symptom caused by the disease.

Fact 5 – Along with the other telltale symptoms, the swelling of extremities is a sure symptom and complication of ischemic heart disease. The degree of edema may vary from one person to another. However it should be noted that the swelling of extremities is a complication which most commonly develops when there is extreme weakness and overloading within the heart muscle. The presence of edema translates to the exacerbation of the disease which then leads to heart failure. This symptom is commonly overlooked and yet is one of the positive characteristics of people with ischemic heart disease. It should be noted that minimal swelling of both upper and lower extremities is an early symptom and can still be avoided in order to prevent further damage to the heart.

Myth 6 - "Stable" angina is not a positive symptom of ischemic heart disease. It is merely categorized as chest pains occurring at predictable levels of exertion and nothing more.

Fact 6 – Stable angina is a reliable symptom contrary to what misinformed individuals say. When a patient experiences angina, confirmatory tests are conducted such as cardiac stress tests to induce symptoms. Electrocardiography and echocardiography are diagnostic procedures that are performed to detect changes within the heart muscle. The type of chest pain associated with stable angina is a reliable factor when further understanding a person’s condition regarding ischemic heart disease. The diagnostic tests conducted in determining the extent of damage done by this cardiovascular disease helps in the evaluation process whether a patient is suitable and healthy enough to undergo surgical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Management and control of cholesterol level is of highest priority to prevent this disease. Moreover, it must be stressed that close control of high-blood pressure is also key and is definitely a preventive measure in alleviating one’s risk to sudden unwanted ischemic attacks. Cholesterol and blood pressure levels are two factors which need constant and close monitoring especially as age increases. These two factors endanger an individual’s health and well being which not only apply for this particular disease but for many other chronic diseases as well.

Ischemic heart disease has done insurmountable damage among its past and present victims as a whole. The mortality rate is ever increasing as more people become less conscious with their unhealthy diet and inactive lifestyle. By understanding the truths about ischemic heart disease, the risk of developing this cardiovascular illness can be minimized among medium to high risk individuals. Furthermore, the exacerbation and complications can be avoided altogether if a healthier lifestyle and treatment regimen are adhered to by ischemic heart disease victims.

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