Problems with your heart:
With the kind of lifestyles most urban people lead today,
it is helpful to be aware of Coronary Artery Disease, about the symptoms,
the risk factors and the procedures which are done to detect and treat
the same.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
The heart is a muscle that works as a pump to send blood
throughout the body. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that surround
your heart and supply oxygen-rich blood it needs. Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD) occurs when these arteries are hardened and narrowed due to
deposition of ‘plaque’ in their inner walls. As the plaque increases in size,
the lumen of these arteries get narrower, and less blood flows through them.
So the heart muscle is not able to receive the amount of oxygen it needs.
What are the symptoms?
The onset of heart disease is often silent. The most common
symptoms of CAD are:
- Angina (Pain or pressure in the chest, arms, left shoulder, neck, jaw or back)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Palpitation
In some people, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack.
A heart attack happens when the plaque in a coronary artery ruptures,
causing complete obstruction of the artery.
Who is at risk?
People with one or more of the following are at risk of developing CAD:
- A family history of premature heart disease
- Smoking
- High blood cholesterol
- High BP
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
Diagnosis of CAD
Coronary Angiography is the ‘gold standard’ test to diagnose CAD.
It is performed on patients with chest pain with significant ECG changes, in
patients with a positive Treadmill test and in patients who have had a heart
attack to decide on further treatment.
Coronary Angiography (CAG)
CAG is an X-ray examination of the blood vessels of the heart. A very
small tube (catheter) is positioned at the beginning of the arteries supplying
the heart. A special fluid (contrast or dye) is injected. The pictures that are
obtained are called angiograms.
Is CAG painful ?
The test usually takes 10 – 15 minutes and is a painless procedure
usually done under local anaesthesia. The patient will remain conscious
and will be able to follow instructions.
Results of the test
Normal : Means that there is adequate blood supply to the heart.
Abnormal : CAG shows the
- The number of coronary arteries blocked
- The site and distribution of blocks
- The severity (percentage) of blocks
Recommended plan after CAG:
The doctor will make the decision regarding the treatment according
to the results of CAG. It can be medical management, angioplasty with or
without stent, bypass surgery or some new procedures.