What Ischemic Heart Disease Is

Ischemic heart disease, also known as Coronary Artery Disease, is defined by an accumulation of fatty deposits in the wall lining of the coronary arteries. When these deposits encircle the heart's main arteries, blood flow into and out of the heart becomes restricted. The process of fatty tissue accumulating in the main arteries is called atherosclerosis, and it can often result in Ischemia.

Ischemia is the inability to supply enough oxygen to the heart's muscles, which in turn damages them. This can lead to the complete occlusion of the heart's primary blood vessels, resulting in a myocardial infarction.

The causes of ischemic heart disease are as yet unknown. Ischemic heart disease is the most common heart disease in the US, and the most prolific cause of heart attacks resulting in death. Breakthroughs in medical science have allowed us to prevent and delay the effects of heart disease; treating lipid abnormalties can delay, and sometimes halt the progression of atherosclerosis. This can even result in the active regression of the atherosclerotic plaques (the fatty deposits) that eventually cause heart disease.

Ischemic heart disease does not have any early warning symptoms, however, once the disease is steadily progressing it is often characterized by angina, which is chest pain caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart. Angina can also extend or be isolated to the neck or to the left arm and shoulder blade. Heart disease does not always come with angina, however, and this form of the disease is referred to as "Silent Ischemic Heart Disease." The reasons for the occasional lack of angina are entirely unknown. Controllable risk factors for ischemic heart disease are diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, weight problems, high cholesterol, and type A personalities (defined by impatience and a short temper.) Ischemic heart disease is, in some cases, reversible, and is generally able to be slowed. Following a doctor's advice when diagnosed with this type of heart disease is vital, as it could directly impact whether or not you live or die.

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