What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is also referred to as ischemic heart disease. The term “ischemic” describes a decreased flow of blood and oxygen to an organ. Coronary artery disease describes the progressive narrowing of coronary arteries due to cholesterol deposits within the vessel walls. This narrowing can eventually limit the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. These vital nutrients are carried to the heart by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and can’t supply enough blood to the heart, the result is coronary artery disease.When the blood supply is cut off completely and suddenly, the result is a heart attack. The part of the heart that is not receiving oxygen begins to die, and some of the heart muscle may be permanently damaged.
Coronary artery disease is a chronic condition that leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing leaves less room for blood flow, depriving the heart muscle. Many risk factors, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lifestyle, and family history, can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. Aside from inherited factors, any of the risks can be modified and the chance of developing heart disease reduced.
Coronary artery disease is a chronic condition which leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. This narrowing leaves less room for the blood to flow through and deprives the heart muscle its needed blood. There are many risk factors which can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. These include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lifestyle, and family history. All of the risk factors aside from family history can be modified and risk of heart disease can be reduced.
Coronary artery disease also known as atherosclerosis is a disease of the heart arteries. This is a build up of plaque or fatty deposits inside the artery. This build up of plaque can block the flow of blood to the heart causing chest pain, heart attack, or other symptoms of heart disease. Coronary artery disease can be reduced by changes in diet and lifestyle as well as with some medications. To diagnose coronary artery disease you may be asked to undergo an angiography procedure (heart catheterization). The angiography is done in the catheterization laboratory at the hospital. During this procedure the patient is sedated and a small sheath (short hollow tube) is inserted through a puncture site in the groin area (femoral artery). Through this sheath a catheter is maneuvered to the heart arteries where a special dye is injected and x-ray pictures can be taken of the heart arteries. If treatment is needed, the interventional or non-surgical procedures can be done through this sheath. T
