Arterial Heart Disease

Arterial heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply oxygen to the heart. The heart muscle can become weakened over time, causing problems such as heart failure and arrhythmias. The National Institutes of Health claims that arterial heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and is the number one cause of death in both men and women in the United States.

Risk Factors

• There are many factors that increase the likelihood of developing arterial heart disease. Smoking is a major contributor, as it tightens and damages blood vessels and prevents the proper amount of oxygen from reaching tissues in the body. Dangerous cholesterol levels are another risk factor. People with a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad) cholesterol level and a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good) cholesterol level are at greater risk of developing coronary artery disease, as are people with high blood pressure. Diabetics and people who are resistant to insulin are also at an increased risk, as well as people who are overweight or obese. Additional risk factors include a family history of heart disease, older age and lack of exercise.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of arterial heart disease vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms until they have a heart attack. Others may experience angina pain or discomfort in the chest at a mild, moderate or severe level. People may feel a squeezing pain or pressure in the chest behind the breastbone or in the shoulders, jaw, neck, arms or back. Becoming short of breath easily is another common symptom associated with arterial heart disease. Chest pain that comes and goes periodically and causes only mild discomfort can also be a symptom.

Complications

• Several medical problems can result from undetected or untreated arterial heart disease. If a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the heart, a heart attack will occur. A stroke can ensue if the arteries leading to the brain become clogged, restricting proper blood flow. An aneurysm can occur in various parts of the body, causing internal bleeding if it bursts. Peripheral artery disease is another complication of arterial heart disease and is the result of insufficient blood flow reaching the arms and legs. Finally, sudden cardiac arrest is a devastating complication of arterial heart disease and can result in sudden death.

Treatment

• It is important to treat arterial heart disease as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the heart and even death. The focus in treating this disease is to reduce the symptoms, stop or reverse the plaque buildup in the arteries, reduce the chance of blood clots that cause heart attacks, and extend or bypass arteries that have become clogged. A combination of medical procedures, medication and lifestyle changes may be used to treat arterial heart disease. Angioplasty is one medical treatment commonly used in patients with blocked arteries. In this procedure, a thin tube with an inflatable device on the end is inserted into the blocked artery and is then inflated, forcing the plaque buildup against the wall of the artery. This makes the artery larger and normal blood flow is able to circulate throughout the artery. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is type of surgery that is performed to bypass the clogged arteries by utilizing arteries from other parts of the body. This will increase the blood flow to the heart and help to prevent a heart attack.

  A variety of medications can be used to help treat coronary artery disease. Some of the medications are to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while others are used to relieve the symptoms associated with arterial heart disease. Additional medications are available to reduce the risk of blood clots and to help reduce the chances of a heart attack or sudden death.
  Making certain changes to your lifestyle in addition to the above treatment methods may be required. Quitting smoking, losing weight and exercising can all help you begin the recovery process.

Prevention/Solution

• Although not all instances of arterial heart disease can be prevented, there are a several measures you can take to lower your risk of developing this disease. Know your family medical history regarding heart problems and inform your doctor. Do not smoke or use products containing tobacco. There are nearly 5,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and many of them can damage your heart. Exercise regularly, preferably between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Limit the amount of foods you eat that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Finally, stay up-to-date on health screenings by getting your cholesterol checked every five years and your blood pressure checked every two years. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of arterial heart disease, as early detection and treatment are vital in maintaining the health of your heart.