The heart muscle (myocardium) receives its blood supply with oxygen and nutrients through two main arteries (coronary arteries) and their branches. Partial or total occlusion of a main coronary artery or a branch can lead to an impaired blood supply to a part of the myocardium. An incomplete occlusion of the blood supply usually causes myocardial ischaemia. However, a total occlusion can lead to death of the particular part of the myocardium (infarction). These processes are known as ischaemic heart disease.
Ischaemic heart disease can weaken the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout your body. It mainly occurs due to narrowing of the coronary arteries by fat (cholesterol) deposits in their walls. This process is known as atherosclerosis or atheroma formation.
Why is it important to recognise ischaemic heart disease? It is the most important single cause of death in the modern society. Unexpected cardiac death is one of the well-known features of ischaemic heart disease. One-sixth of ischaemic heart disease episodes results in sudden death. It can be the very first, final, and only symptom.
Chest pain
This is the most common symptom associated with ischaemic heart disease. Chest pain occurs because of the low-oxygen supply to the myocardium. Usually, it may feel like heaviness, pressure, or gripping sensation in the chest. Sometimes, the pain arises as a chest discomfort or a burning pain. Therefore, ischaemic heart disease-associated chest pain can mimic the discomfort related to indigestion. A person, who gets ischaemic heart disease, may experience arm (especially the left arm), jaw, neck, or shoulder pain. Chest pain usually occurs directly under the sternum or breast bone (at the midline). It may be associated with nausea, vomiting, or increased sweating.
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) is one of the symptoms of ischaemic heart disease. It occurs due to heart failure associated with ischaemic heart disease. Some individuals may show a severe cough, weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the limbs following ischaemic heart disease. Increased respiratory rate, breathlessness on lying flat, nausea, and wake from sleep fighting for breath can be seen in individuals with heart failure. Dyspnoea is usually more prevalent among women than men. Difficulty breathing occurs when ischaemic heart disease affects the performance of the left ventricle, leading to left ventricular failure. Heart failure can cause fluid accumulation within the lungs (pulmonary oedema) hence difficulty breathing.
Fainting and dizziness
Dizziness is a feature of ischaemic heart disease and may be the only symptom. Otherwise, it can be associated with fainting or syncope. Dizziness and fainting occur because of impaired blood flow to the brain, resulting from ischaemic heart disease. Therefore, fainting or dizziness can be the only symptom of fatal ischaemic heart disease.
Related Links:
Why Is Angina Important?
How to Manage Chest Pain?
Modifiable Risk Factors of CAD
How Do You Prevent Another Heart Attack?
Related Links:
Why Is Angina Important?
How to Manage Chest Pain?
Modifiable Risk Factors of CAD
How Do You Prevent Another Heart Attack?
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