Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a condition of narrowed heart arteries that cause the reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart. So-called coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the heart muscles are weak. This disease may lead to heart attack.
During the life span coronary arteries accumulate a specific fat substance (cholesterol). high cholesterol leads to a narrowing of the vessels. Blood stops to make its main function - to carry oxygen through the body. As a result, patients feel the chest pain which may travel to shoulder, arm, neck or back. Sometimes such a pain may feel like heartburn. The chest pain is the main symptom of coronary heart disease.
Unhealthy lifestyle is the basic cause of ischemic heart disease. It usually includes:
- Alcohol abuse;
- Smoking;
- Overeating;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- High cholesterol.
Treatment for ischemic heart disease
Specialists use modern methods and innovative equipment to conduct an accurate examination of a patient. On the basis of diagnostics doctors develop an individual treatment plan for each patient.
Cardiologists provide such diagnostics as:
- Electrocardiography (ECG);
- X-ray computed tomography (contrast CT);
- Angiography,
- Stress tests.
Examination methods depend on a patient’s age, physical condition and the stage of the disease.