Introduction
Heart and heart-related diseases are extremely common in today’s world. This could be due to hereditary factors, changes in lifestyle, and food habits. Poor heart health can be a serious condition and affect blood circulation. For example, myocardial ischemia is a heart condition in which the arteries supplying the heart are damaged due to various factors. Early diagnosis and treatment planning can help to overcome the condition and lead a quality life. This article explains the changes undergone by the heart during myocardial ischemia.
What Is Myocardial Ischemia?
A compromised blood flow to the heart may result in poor oxygen supply to the heart muscles. This is known as myocardial ischemia. Ischemia can be complete or partial, depending on the heart block. It is also known as cardiac ischemia. A severe blockage of the heart can lead to a heart attack.
What Are the Causes of Myocardial Ischemia?
It occurs when the blood flow to the heart is insufficient or blocked due to heart disease. The disease progresses slowly as the coronary arteries supplying the heart are damaged. The common causes of myocardial ischemia include
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Coronary Artery Disease - It is also known as atherosclerosis. In this condition, fatty deposits or plaques adhere to the artery's walls, obstructing the blood flow to the heart. It is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia.
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Blood Clot - A blood clot is the platelet aggregation to stop bleeding. Sometimes, these blood clots may disintegrate from the original site and be transported via the blood to the heart. It obstructs the blood flow, and the heart may overload to contribute to the compromised blood flow. Due to over-functioning, the muscles of the heart may weaken. These clots may lead to sudden cardiac arrest and heart failure if not dissolved at the right time.
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Coronary Artery Spasm - Spasm refers to the temporary tightening of the muscles. It is an uncommon cause of myocardial ischemia. Due to artery spasms, the blood flow may be irregular to the heart.
Who Is at Risk of Myocardial Ischemia?
Some of the risk factors associated with myocardial ischemia are mentioned below.
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Tobacco - Smoking damages the arterial walls, and as a result, there is slow blood flow in the coronary arteries. In addition, it causes spasms in the arteries and increases blood clots.
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High Blood Pressure - An increase in blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis and damage the arteries supplying the heart.
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High Cholesterol - Cholesterol is the major cause of the narrowing of the arterial wall. This is due to the fat deposits that inhibit the flow of blood. As a result, the heart is deprived of blood supply, which increases the load on the ventricles to pump blood. High cholesterol may be due to genetic reasons or a diet saturated in saturated fats.
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Obesity - It is frequently associated with diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Obese individuals also have high cholesterol, which inhibits the blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. Regulating the diet and frequent exercise can help to get rid of obesity.
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Lack of Physical Activity - Lack of physical activity contributes to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. People who indulge in aerobic exercises have reported better heart health and a low risk of myocardial ischemia. It also helps reduce blood pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of Myocardial Ischemia?
Most individuals suffering from myocardial ischemia may not present with signs and symptoms. It is usually an accidental finding during health checkups. Some of the commonly associated signs and symptoms are mentioned below.
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Neck pain.
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Shoulder pain.
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Nausea.
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Vomiting.
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Sweating.
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Fatigue.
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Shortness of breath.
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Rapid heartbeat.
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Tachycardia (increased heart rate).
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Weakness.
What Are the Chronic Adaptations to Myocardial Ischemia?
The chronic adaptations to myocardial ischemia are listed below.
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Bradycardia - The heart rate may slow to less than 60 beats per minute.
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Maximal Stroke Volume - The ejaculated blood volume per beat from the ventricles may gradually decrease.
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Increased End Diastolic Dimension - It reflects the heart size and is an important indicator in the echocardiogram.
What Are the Complications of Myocardial Ischemia?
The complication of myocardial ischemia is mentioned below.
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Heart Attack - Complete block of coronary arteries and lack of oxygen can lead to a heart attack, as it destroys the heart muscles. The damage can be serious and fatal at times.
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Arrhythmia - Due to the weakening of arteries and heart muscles, there is irregular or abnormal heart rhythm, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
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Heart Failure - Frequent episodes of ischemia may contribute to heart failure.
How Is Myocardial Ischemia Diagnosed?
A proper medical and family history majorly contributes to the identification and diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. Besides, various diagnostic methods help to confirm the heart condition and aid in treatment planning. Some of the additional diagnostic methods are mentioned below.
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Electrocardiogram - It is commonly referred to as ECG. It helps identify if there is any damage or block in the heart. A modified version is the stress echocardiogram. It helps to analyze the heart after exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike.
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Nuclear Stress Test - A radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. While exercising, The doctor monitors the dye flow through the heart and evaluates the risk of poor blood flow and any heart blocks.
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Coronary Angiography - A colored dye is injected into the blood vessel, and images are taken. The test gives a clear idea of the inner walls of the coronary arteries.
What Is the Treatment for Myocardial Ischemia?
The treatment of myocardial ischemia mainly aims at improving the blood flow to the heart. This is achieved by changing the lifestyle and regularly exercising. In certain conditions, surgery may be required to clear the heart block and improve blood circulation. However, frequent health checkups are important in heart patients to know the prognosis of the condition.
Conclusion
Myocardial ischemia is a heart condition caused by environmental and genetic factors. Chronic ischemia can alter the functions of the heart. Diagnosing the condition with the help of an electrocardiogram and angiogram provides images of the heart. Following the medications and visiting the doctor regularly may help to overcome myocardial ischemia and restores the heart’s health.
