ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart and hinders normal blood flow.

Ischemic heart disease—often referred to as coronary artery disease or informally as heart disease—is the No. 1 killer of Americans and a major cause of death worldwide, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

When plaque (a blend of cholesterol and other fatty substances) accumulates in the coronary arteries, it can prevent sections of the heart from receiving sufficient amounts of oxygen-rich blood – a serious condition known as cardiac ischemia.

A patient with this disease is at greatest risk of ischemia during periods of excitement, stress, or physical exertion, times when the heart demands increased blood flow that it cannot provide because of blocked arteries. In such situations, the heart is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly, and heart attack or stroke can occur.

Causes of Ischemic Heart Disease

Plaque heavy in cholesterol can collect on the walls of the arteries, and in turn trigger ischemic heart disease.

Detrimental lifestyle habits such as smoking; consuming foods rich in trans-fat, salt and sugar; and not exercising can all play a major role in the onset of heart disease. In some cases, however, the accumulation of plaque deposits in the arteries is simply a result of aging or genetic disorders like hypercholesterolemia (high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol).

Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease

Not all patients with ischemic heart disease experience noticeable symptoms, but those who do often report:

Unusually fast, irregular, or skipped heart beats
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Increased sweating
Weakness and dizziness

Diagnosing Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is usually diagnosed when a healthcare provider performs a physical exam and completes certain diagnostic tests, which may include:

Blood tests
Echocardiograms
Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
Coronary angiograms
Cardiac catheterization
Computed tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Nuclear imaging

Treatments for Ischemic Heart Disease

Treatment of ischemic heart disease varies according to the severity and number of artery blockages. For many patients, making lifestyle changes and taking medications that increase blood flow to the heart are enough to manage the disease. Sometimes, a narrowed artery may even grow blood vessels that skirt the blockage and create a new route for blood to reach the heart.

For others, lifesaving procedures are necessary, such as:

Stent placement
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
Heart transplant

The world-class physicians and healthcare providers at Tampa General Hospital work closely together to treat adult patients who have ischemic heart disease individually, with each patient’s overall health and personal preferences in mind.