Ischemic heart disease (also called cardiac ischemia or myocardial ischemia) is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart becomes reduced, typically due to coronary artery disease. This condition can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If the blockage is severe, it can lead to a heart attack. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, or a combination.
Ischemic heart disease occurs due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This process is known as atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. A sudden blockage can cause a heart attack.
The most common cause is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making blood flow difficult. A sudden blockage can cause a heart attack. Other causes of ischemic heart disease include:
- A tear or injury to the lining of an artery
- Blood clotting
- Spasm of an artery
- An abnormal heart rhythm
- Extreme emotional stress
- Use of certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine
- Age
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
If a person has any risk factors, they must talk to their doctor about ways to reduce their risk.
The most common symptom is chest pain or angina. Angina is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like squeezing or a heavy weight on your chest. Angina can be triggered by activity or stress and relieved by rest or medication.
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
The symptoms of a heart attack are often similar to those of cardiac ischemia, but they are usually more severe and longer lasting. Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
- Chest pain or angina that doesn't go away with rest or medication
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
If a person has been diagnosed with the condition, treatment will focus on reducing the risk of a heart attack or other complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, or a combination.
- eating a healthy diet
- exercising regularly
- managing stress
- losing weight if a person is overweight or obese
- aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
- beta-blockers
- calcium channel blockers
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs
- statins
A person can do several things to reduce their risk of ischemic diseases. These include:
- quitting smoking
- exercising regularly
- managing stress
- losing weight
- getting regular medical checkups and screenings, such as cholesterol and blood pressure checks.
If a person has already been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, there are things they can do to prevent a heart attack or other complications. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed by a doctor
- following a healthy lifestyle
- attending regular follow-up appointments with a doctor
- knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and getting emergency help if a person has these symptoms.