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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease

By Barb Hicks

Ischemic heart disease is defined as decreased blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries. The obstruction results from cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall interrupting the flow of blood to the heart. The deposits harden causing hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, which is a medical term sometimes interchanged with arteriosclerosis. Both have the same affect, whereby both impede blood flow to the heart.

Arteriosclerosis, or plaque buildup, is a common factor in Ischemic heart disease. Plaque, a result of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, builds up in the vessels that feed the heart causing blockage to occur. This interferes with blood flow to the heart and results in heart attack symptoms to occur. The patient may exhibit signs ranging from shortness of breath to irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Sometimes, there are no symptoms due to damage to the nerves that surround the heart due to heart disease.

Angina will eventually occur as time passes. This affliction, commonly referred to as the strangling of the heart and known in medical terms as Angina Pectoris, is a result of the lack of oxygen due to poor blood flow to the heart as a result of blockage. Anyone with this type of heart disease is at a greater risk for experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrhythmia.

People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.

There is good news regarding ischemic heart disease. It is able to be prevented or its severity lessened with proper healthcare and lifestyle changes. Though these changes may seem a daunting task after being set in your ways for twenty to thirty years, the results of these changes are well worth the effort. - 17273

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