- Coronary artery disease affects the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are the main blood vessels responsible for supplying the heart with vital nutrients and oxygen. Any disruption in normal blood flow to the heart reduces the efficiency and function of the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease results when the inner linings of the coronary arteries thicken and develop fatty and cholesterol-laden deposits, or arterial plaques. These arterial plaques cause narrowing of the arteries and disrupt blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the heart. Nonocclusive coronary artery disease is artery disease that has not produced complete, or near complete, blockage of any of the coronary arteries. In nonocclusive coronary artery disease, no great disruptions to coronary blood flow are produced.
- Nonocclusive coronary artery disease is coronary artery disease in its early or mild form. The smooth inner walls lining the coronary arteries undergo structural changes that cause the artery walls to lose their natural flexibility and to develop small cracks and pits that create a roughened, more coarse texture. Circulating blood levels of both fatty acids and cholesterol eventually attach themselves to the roughened, pitted arterial walls, and over time, a gradual build-up of arterial deposits forms. The body's immune system plays a key role in the development and worsening of coronary artery disease. As the coronary arteries become damaged by coronary artery disease, the body's immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the damaged areas. This immune system response results in small scabs forming over the damaged arterial linings, a condition that creates additional arterial thickenings and blockages.
- Coronary artery disease is a chronic, progressive disease that normally takes many years to develop. The disease starts with only small irritations and abnormalities to the coronary arterial linings and progresses with time. Nonocclusive coronary artery is still in its mild form without significant or obstructive coronary blockages, or occlusions. Nonocclusive artery disease can also be a term used to describe coronary artery disease. It can even describe disease that is more extensive in nature confined to the noncritical, smaller arterial branches, which are those branches that do not supply a large percentage of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. These vessels, even when significantly occluded, are not likely to cause any severe and/or life-threatening coronary episodes.
- Even in mild and/or nonocclusive forms of coronary artery disease, the fact that coronary artery disease is present is cause for concern. If measurable coronary artery disease is present, the underlying mechanisms at work that produce arteriosclerotic changes are active and likely to progress if left unmanaged and/or unaddressed. While nonocclusive coronary artery disease is less of a risk than more extensive and/or occlusive coronary artery disease, its presence signifies the need to carefully watch and address the ongoing status of the disease and to note any significant changes and/or progressions of the disease that might cause more extensive problems or increases cardiovascular risks.
- Nonocclusive coronary artery disease is coronary artery disease that is still in a manageable stage. Because coronary blood flow and circulation are not significantly impeded by nonocclusive coronary disease, maintaining the health and functionality of the nonoccluded coronary arteries and preventing them from experiencing progression of the disease are key goals of preventative/management modality. The adoption of a low fat and low cholesterol diet, getting regular cardiovascular exercise, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and maintaining a healthy weight are all recommended steps to reduce the risks of any type of coronary artery disease.
