Don’t ignore discomfort or pain in chest, a sign of myocardial ischemia

Myocardial Ischemia is a condition where there is reduced blood flow and lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Myocardial Ischemia occurs when there is partial or complete blockage of heart arteries. In this condition, the heart cannot perform its normal activity of pumping blood to different organs, resulting in damage of heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythm and heart attack. By improving the blood flow to the heart, the condition of Myocardial Ischemia can be rectified. This is made possible by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.

CAUSES

The primary reason for Myocardial Ischemia is the blockage of arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. When the arteries are blocked, the heart fails to receive adequate flows of blood. This results in damage to heart’s cells, heart rhythm change and heart attack. There are also other conditions that may cause Myocardial Ischemia, like blood clots that block the coronary arteries, and coronary artery spasms.

SYMPTOMS

This most common symptom of Myocardial Ischemia is chest pressure or pain. There may be other symptoms like, neck or jaw pain, shoulder or arm pain, faster heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating and fatigue.

RISK FACTORS & COMPLICATIONS

The condition of Myocardial Ischemia may occur due to smoking, diabetes, high BP and cholesterol, high blood triglyceride level, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Importantly, due to any or all of the above mentioned causes, it results in damage to coronary arteries and slowed blood flows to the heart. The complications of Myocardial Ischemia are evident as irregular heart rhythm and in extreme cases even heart attack.

TESTS & DIAGNOSIS

Different tests are recommended by the doctor to confirm the condition of Myocardial Ischemia, ECG or Electrocardiogram is advised to understand the heart’s electrical activity. Echocardiogram helps to study the heart’s normal pumping activity. Coronary angiography and Cardiac CT scan helps to study the health of heart’s arteries. During the stress test, the heart’s rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored, and possible deviations are detected.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Drugs and surgery constitute the regular treatment process for Myocardial Ischemia. Blood thinners are usually prescribed to help in preventing blockage of coronary arteries. In emergency cases, surgery is recommended. Surgery includes angioplasty and stenting, and coronary artery bypass surgery. An external counter pulsation process also involves inflating and deflating pressure on the blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart.