Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a group of chronic conditions in which the heart muscle suffers from oxygen deficiency. This pathology occurs when the coronary arteries fail to provide sufficient blood flow to the myocardium. This state of oxygen deprivation is called ischemia. The main mechanism for the disease's development is atherosclerosis—the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, narrowing their lumen. During physical or emotional stress, the heart's need for nutrition increases, and narrowed arteries are unable to deliver blood. CAD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.
specialists
equipment
treatment
Factors contributing to the development of coronary heart disease
The main cause of coronary heart disease progression is a combination of controllable lifestyle factors. There are also circumstances. Any patient can slow the progression of coronary heart disease by changing their habits. Here are the main risk factors for coronary heart disease:
- Poor diet
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Stressful situations
Also, factors for coronary heart disease include: old age, male gender, and hereditary factors.
Classification of coronary heart disease
The term "ischemic heart disease" is a general term. It encompasses both acute and chronic pathological conditions. Currently, Russia uses a classification of coronary heart disease by clinical forms, each of which has independent significance due to the specific clinical manifestations, prognosis, and treatment tactics, as recommended in 1979 by a group of WHO experts.
Angina:
- Stable angina (indicating the functional class)
- Coronary syndrome X
- Vasospastic angina
- Unstable angina (progressive angina, new-onset angina, early post-infarction angina)
- Myocardial infarction
- Cardiosclerosis
- Painless coronary heart disease
Sudden coronary death (primary cardiac arrest):
- Sudden coronary death with successful resuscitation
- Sudden coronary death (fatal outcome)
Diagnostics of coronary heart disease
To confirm the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, assess the extent of coronary artery damage, and determine further treatment, a cardiologist prescribes a comprehensive examination. This includes both laboratory tests and instrumental examinations:
- Initial consultation with a cardiologist
- ECG
- Echocardiography (ultrasound examination of the heart)
- Ultrasound Doppler (a method for vascular diagnostics) – allows for the assessment of atherosclerotic plaque development
- Holter – a 24-hour ECG recording (can assess cardiac function under normal loads)
- Stress tests
- Final consultation with a cardiologist
Laboratory diagnostics
A critical step in diagnosis is laboratory assessment of risk factors. This is based on a lipid profile, which measures total cholesterol and its fractions. Lipid testing helps assess the risk of atherosclerosis, the main cause of ischemia. Blood glucose levels are also measured to detect diabetes. If acute coronary syndrome is suspected, markers of myocardial necrosis, such as troponin, are tested.
Instrumental diagnostics
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a basic method for recording the heart's electrical activity, allowing for the detection of signs of ischemia or a previous heart attack. For a more detailed assessment, a Holter monitor is prescribed—a 24-hour ECG monitoring device that tracks the heart's function during the patient's daily life.
A cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, visualizes the structure of the heart chambers and valves and evaluates their contractility. To induce and detect latent ischemia, a stress test is performed: an ECG is recorded during physical activity on a bicycle ergometer or treadmill.
General information
Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease
The clinical presentation of coronary heart disease varies depending on its form. The main symptoms are related to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. The main manifestation of myocardial ischemia is angina – a feeling of tightness or burning behind the rib cage. This discomfort is usually triggered by physical activity or stress and subsides with rest. Patients often complain of pain radiating to the left arm, shoulder, or jaw.
Other common signs of the disease include shortness of breath, a feeling of incomplete inhalation, irregular heartbeats, and increased fatigue. It is important to note that coronary heart disease can develop without pain, manifesting itself only as general weakness, which complicates diagnosis.
Symptoms of Angina
Angina is the most characteristic sign of coronary heart disease. Its main symptom is a sensation of constriction, pressure, or burning in the chest. An attack is triggered by situations that increase the myocardium's need for oxygen, such as physical exertion or intense emotional stress. Pain often spreads to the left arm, shoulder, neck, and even the lower jaw. A distinctive feature of this condition is its rapid disappearance after cessation of exertion or with sublingual nitroglycerin.
Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction is an acute form of ischemia that requires immediate medical attention. The main symptom is intense, piercing pain behind the breastbone that is not relieved by nitroglycerin and lasts more than 15–20 minutes. The pain may be accompanied by severe weakness, cold sweat, shortness of breath, and a strong sense of fear of death. With extensive myocardial damage, loss of consciousness is possible. The appearance of such symptoms is a reason to call an ambulance immediately.
Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Death
Sudden cardiac death is the most serious complication of ischemia, often caused by acute occlusion of a large coronary artery. The condition develops rapidly, often without prior symptoms. The main signs are sudden loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and absence of a carotid pulse. The skin becomes pale or bluish, the pupils dilate and become unresponsive to light. This type of cardiac arrest requires immediate resuscitation, as irreversible changes in the brain occur within 5–7 minutes.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Patients diagnosed with cancer often have many questions about their lifestyle, treatment, and prognosis. We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to provide helpful information and clarity.
What are the appropriate blood pressure and pulse rates for coronary artery disease?
What should I avoid with coronary artery disease?
How long can a person with coronary artery disease live?
What parameters should be monitored in coronary heart disease?
Our doctors
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings, a large number of requests from this site, and in the absence of critical violations.
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings. It means that the place is known, loved, and definitely worth visiting.
The ProDoctors portal collected 500 thousand reviews, compiled a rating of doctors based on them and awarded the best. We are proud that our doctors are among those awarded.
Make an appointment at a convenient time on the nearest date
Price
Appointment to the doctor
Reviews
Our clinics
Application “Personal Account K+31”
Causes and risk factors of coronary heart disease
The main cause of coronary heart disease is atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries. Cholesterol plaques form on the vessel walls, narrowing their lumen and impeding blood flow to the heart muscle, or myocardium. Another important cause can be coronary artery spasm or the formation of a thrombus that completely blocks the vessel. Any of these conditions leads to oxygen starvation of the myocardium and the development of ischemic processes.
Coronary heart disease has a chronic, progressive course. Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are predisposing factors for every patient. These factors accelerate damage to arterial walls and contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques.