What Is Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease?
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in America every year. Athersclerotic Coronary Artery Disease (ASCHD) is a term further defining heart disease. "Atherosclerotic" means hardening, or narrowing of the artery. Coronary arteries are the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. The entire body is supplied with blood and oxygen by the pumping power of the heart; therefore the heart is a very busy pump that requires a good steady flow of nutrient rich blood itself to function properly. When that blood supply is compromised, not only is the heart in trouble, but the whole body can fail.
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How Does Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease Happen?
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Think of a drainage pipe under the bathroom sink. It starts off wide open. As hair, dirt and oils build up in the pipe, the water doesn't flow as well. Eventually, unless you clean it out, it totally closes up, preventing any water from draining. Coronary artery disease works the exact same way. Blood contains lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol and triglycerides. As these lipoproteins travel, some of them stick to the walls of the arteries. Lipoproteins that have a low density (LDL) stick to the walls and are referred to as the "bad cholesterol". High density lipoproteins (HDL) are good cholesterols that actually clean the vessels and transport the cholesterol back to the liver to be metabolized.
The "plaque" that sticks to the inside walls of the vessels cause the vessels to narrow. In addition, the plaque is very sticky. Platelets in the blood get trapped on the plaque, causing further narrowing and even blood clots to form. When the artery completely occludes, the part of the heart muscle that was supplied by that coronary artery can be cut off entirely from a blood supply, causing a heart attack.
The Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease
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The risks of having ASCHD are higher in the over 65 population. The male population years ago was at higher risk, however, it is now the number one killer of women as well. Women are usually protected before menopause, as natural estrogens protect the heart. A family history of ASCHD, high blood pressure that is not controlled, diabetes, living a sedentary life style, and a high cholesterol diet all contribute to developing sclerotic heart disease. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of athersclerotic heart disease, along with causing atherosclerosis in all the arteries of the body.
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Symptoms of ASCHD
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Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease usually develops gradually. Because of this, many times symptoms develop gradually as well. General fatigue is a very common complaint. Many people feel they're just getting older or don't have the stamina they used to have. Angina symptoms are a direct result of ASCHD. Chest pain, tightness, heaviness or pressure, nausea, weakness, pain or tingling in the arms, legs, or jaw, and lightheadedness are all angina symptoms. The symptoms may be brought on by exertion (exertional or stable angina) or may progress to unstable angina, which occurs at rest or without warning. Left untreated, a heart attack may occur.
Lifestyle Changes
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The best treatment for ASCHD is, of course, prevention. Smoking cessation, weight loss, exercise, lowering your cholesterol through diet and medication (statins), controlling blood pressure and adding good omega-3 fats and antioxidants to your diet are key not only to ward off plaque from building initially, but to prevent further complications if you have already had heart disease or a heart attack.
Medical Treatment
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Betablockers and Nitrates are medications given to lower the oxygen demand of the heart and help dilate the heart vessels. Monitoring and preventing dangerous heart rhythms are also important.
When a blocked artery compromises heart function or is a threat to the person, dilating the vessel with angioplasty or stent placement can be done. Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is sometimes warranted to redirect blood flow around the blocked artery or arteries.
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