Coronary Artery Disease- All you need to know !!

Cardiac disorders are one of the most common ailments. They are the leading cause behind increased mortality rate all over the world. Approximately, 17.7 million people die across the globe due to cardio-vascular disorders. This is highly attributed by sedentary lifestyle habits including lack of physical exercise and poor eating habits.

One of the most common heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). This is accounted for approximately 23.5% of deaths per year internationally. Fortunately, the coronary artery disease is successfully handled by the best cardiac surgeons in India. 

What is coronary artery disease?

This is a heart condition in which blood flow to the heart is impaired due to blockage and narrowing of arteries that carry blood to the heart. The blockage is caused by deposition of cholesterol, fats and other substances along on the walls of the arteries. This process is known as arteriosclerosis.

 

Signs and symptoms

 

1. Chest pain or chest discomfort - this may include

       - Chest tightness

        - Chest Heaviness

        - Chest Burning

        - Chest Squeezing

 

 

These symptoms may be confused with indigestion.

2. Shortness of breath- this happens when the heart is not able to pump enough blood (carrying oxygen to the body). This can be a significant sign of heart disease if the patient has shortness of breath even in relaxed state or on minimal physical exertion.

3. Irregular heart rate- if you notice that your heart is beating too fast or beating at an irregular pace, it is time to see the doctor, as it might be a sign of CAD.

4. Raised blood pressure- narrowing of the arteries often lead to high blood pressure. You must get a check up done if you experience high blood pressure.

5. Pain in arms and shoulders

6. Back pain

7. Jaw pain

8. Sweating and dizziness

 

Risk factors for coronary artery disease

There are several risk factors for CAD. Awareness about the risk factors and efforts to curb them greatly reduces the risk.

• High cholesterol levels

• Use of tobacco

• Smoking

• Lack of physical exercise

• Unhealthy eating habits

• Stress

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Family history of heart related disorders

• Kidney disorders

How is CAD diagnosed?

After noticing the related symptoms, if you visit your doctor, he will take a detailed medical history about your signs & symptoms, family history and risk factors. Then, he will conduct a physical exam.

 This will be followed by few diagnostic tests including:

• ECG (ElectroCardiograph)

• Blood tests

• TMT (Treadmill test)

If there is any indication of coronary artery disease from the above tests, further tests will be conducted consisting of:

• Cardiac catheterization

• CT scan

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

 

Treatment

The first advice of the doctors is usually to make lifestyle change that include:

• Good diet

• Regular exercise

• Reduce tobacco intake

• Reduced alcohol intake

• Decreased smoking

• Medications (if needed).

 

If these things do not fetch results, the patient may need to undergo following procedures to increase blood flow to the heart:

1. Balloon angioplasty- a balloon shaped stent is placed inside the lumen of the artery to widen it and increase the blood flow.

2. Coronary artery bypass disease (CABG)- this is an open heart surgery to restore the blood flow. The cost of CABG in India variable depending upon the hospital. However, India is one of the most affordable and efficient places for such type of surgeries.

 

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     3. Enhanced external counterpulsation- this is done to stimulate the formation of new small blood vessels, which can bypass the blocked arteries in a natural way.

 

 

There are some of the best cardiology hospitals in India. with the latest techniques and the best infrastructure, required for surgeries like balloon angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting.