Coronary Heart Disease is the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. It is caused by the build-up of plaque in the artery walls, also known as the hardening of the arteries. This build up can be attributed to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. Risk factors include age, gender, genetic history and race. Other factors that affect the likelihood of CCHD include high cholesterol, smoking, substance abuse and overweight issues.
If left unchecked, CHD can result in heart attack and even death.
Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease include:
- Chest pains (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue after exertion
- Heavy feeling
- Heart feels like it is being squeezed
Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease
Medication
Patients may be required to take medications that fight cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. These chief causes of Coronary Heart Disease can be remedied with medication. Depending on the severity of the CHD, the doctor might recommended a host of medications including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, aspirin, nitrates and statins. These will help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart.
Coronary Artery Surgery
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a procedure used to bypass blocked coronary arteries. To improve the blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve chest pain (angina), coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a serious "open-heart" procedure for patients with heart failure. In most cases, the bypass graft uses a combination of the internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein from the leg. While the procedure is being carried out, the patient is connected to the heart lung machine and the heart is stopped.
Catheter Procedures
Depending on the severity of the condition, minimally invasive surgery is also available. These procedures include angioplasty or intracoronary stenting.
Balloon Angioplasty is the process in which a balloon is inflated in the blocked artery, often a result of calcium and fat build up in the artery walls. The balloon is deflated after a short time, thereby allowing more room for the blood to flow. Doctors may also place a stent, a soft wire mesh, in the artery to ensure that it stays open. This is usually the first choice for patients suffering from a heart attack.
To understand more about your condition and what Gleneagles can do for you, please refer to our list of services or schedule an appointment with a doctor.
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