Everything You Need to Know About Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease is also commonly known as Coronary Artery Disease. It tends to develop when cholesterol builds upon the walls of the arteries and creates plaques. This can narrow the arteries, reduce blood flow to the heart, or cause the walls of blood vessels to become inflamed and hardened.

This is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. A few of the best heart hospitals in Delhi provide the specific treatment required for CAD.

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary Artery Disease is a kind of medical issue that develops when the heart’s arteries cannot deliver adequate oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Another type of coronary heart disease is a coronary microvascular disease. In this medical condition, tiny blood vessels of the heart do not function smoothly.

What Happens to Arteries in Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary Heart Disease is caused due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the linings of larger arteries. Plaque is a combination of waxy, fatty, waste substances, and clot-making substance fibrin.

Deposition of plaque can cause narrowing and blockage of the arteries leading to obstructed blood flow to the heart. It will not function smoothly due to the heart’s lack of nutrients and oxygen. In such a case, it is advisable to visit the best heart hospitals in Delhi for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Who Is at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease?

You are at high risk of coronary heart disease if you have the following:

● High Cholesterol Levels, exceptionally high LDL and low HDL

● High level of blood pressure

● High level of diabetes

● Obesity or Overweight

● Smoking

● Family history of heart disease

● Age above 45 years for men and post-menopausal for woman

● Physically inactive

Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

A few people may have severe symptoms, while a few may not have any symptoms at all.

● Angina, pressure, or burning in the chest

● Fatigue

● Nausea

● Cold Sweats

● Shortness of Breath

● Pain in Arm, Shoulder, or Neck

● Weakness

● Loss of Appetite and Sleep

Chronic coronary heart disease can have chest discomfort, nausea, pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The symptoms might get severe as plaque continues to block your arteries.

Causes of Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease can result from damage to the layer of coronary arteries. It causes the fatty substance to build up in the coronary arteries.

The breaking of plaque can rupture the arteries, leading to obstruction in blood flow, resulting in a heart attack. Plaque breaking can block the supply to your heart muscle. Furthermore, if a clot blocks a blood vessel to your brain, you may likely have an ischemic stroke.

Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

For further diagnosis, your doctor can order the following tests.

● Blood Test to check levels of sugar, cholesterol, and lipid profile

● Stress Test to know the functioning of the heart during physical stress

● ECG to determine the flow of heartbeat

● Coronary Calcium Scan to determine calcium in the coronary arteries

● Coronary Angiography to have a comprehensive view of coronary arteries

● Cardiac MRI to detect tissue damage

● PET Scan to assess blood flow

Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease

Your doctor will advise you on a treatment plan based on your symptoms and risk factors.

Changes in Lifestyle

The first step is to make some changes in your lifestyle. Try to quit smoking or consumption of tobacco products. Consume a healthy diet or get a diet plan for yourself. Balance your cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. Avoid or limit the use of alcohol.

Medications

Your doctor might advise you on some medications to manage your risk factors. Doctors can prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. They can also prescribe medicines to manage angina, chest discomfort, and the risk of blood clotting. Heart medicines can’t be stopped suddenly without the advice of a doctor as this may cause dangerous side effects.

Surgeries

Standard procedures performed at the best heart hospitals in Delhi are balloon angioplasty and stenting. Coronary artery bypass graft procedure involves creating a new path for blood to flow when there is a blockage in the coronary arteries. Doctors may also suggest enhanced external counterpulsation to squeeze the blood vessels in your body.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Heart diseases are common nowadays. Our stressful lives make it harder for us to focus on our well-being. It is essential to have some healthy habits in our lives to keep our hearts better. Make it a habit to consume foods rich in protein. Balance your intake of fats, sodium (salt), sugar, and red meat. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels can be managed by making a few changes in lifestyle and diet. Avoid taking stress.

Consult your doctor for the symptoms and risk factors. Then, you can get your diagnosis in the best heart hospitals in Delhi.