Symptoms
Chest Pain (Angina): Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or burning in the chest. It can radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. Angina is often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress.
Shortness of Breath: Occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
Palpitations: Feeling a fluttering or racing heartbeat.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Reduced blood flow to the brain.
Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach.
Sweating: Cold, clammy sweat, particularly during chest pain.
Causes
The primary cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis include:
High Cholesterol: High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Damages the artery walls.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels.
Insulin Resistance: Often associated with type 2 diabetes.
Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of other risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to other risk factors.
Family History: Having a family history of heart disease increases your risk.
Age: The risk of IHD increases with age.
Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can contribute to plaque buildup.
Is Communicable
IHD is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Healthy Diet: Low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium; high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Manage Blood Pressure: Monitor and control high blood pressure.
Manage Cholesterol: Monitor and control high cholesterol levels.
Control Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar levels.
Reduce Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Regular Checkups: See your doctor for regular checkups and screenings.
How long does an outbreak last?
IHD is not an outbreak-related disease. It is a chronic condition that develops over time. Angina episodes, however, can last from a few minutes to longer if not treated and potentially lead to a heart attack. The underlying heart disease persists unless managed through lifestyle changes, medication, or interventions.
How is it diagnosed?
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create an image of the heart.
Stress Test: Monitors heart function during exercise.
Blood Tests: Check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers.
Coronary Angiography: Uses X-rays and dye to visualize the coronary arteries.
Cardiac CT Scan: Can detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
Nuclear Stress Test: Uses radioactive tracer to show blood flow to the heart muscle.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the severity of the IHD.
Early Stages: May be asymptomatic (no symptoms) or only mild symptoms during strenuous activity.
Progression: As the disease progresses, symptoms like angina may occur more frequently and with less exertion.
Advanced Stages: Severe angina may occur even at rest. Heart attack (myocardial infarction) can occur if a blood clot blocks a coronary artery.
Important Considerations
Early Detection and Prevention: Is essential in managing IHD.
Adherence to Treatment Plan: Following your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes is crucial.
Recognizing Symptoms: Knowing the symptoms of angina and heart attack can help you seek prompt medical attention.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of IHD progression and complications.
Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.