What are the consequences of coronary artery disease?

Angina pectoris , or angina, is chest pain caused by reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This pain often occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and manifests as a feeling of tightness or squeezing in the chest.

Myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when one of the coronary arteries suddenly becomes blocked, preventing blood from reaching a part of the heart muscle. This leads to the death of heart cells in the affected area, which can cause permanent damage to the heart and progress to heart failure.

 

What are the diagnostic and therapeutic intervention methods?

Coronary angiography is a medical test that allows the coronary arteries to be visualized using X-rays and a contrast agent injected into the arteries. This test is essential to detect narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries.

Coronary angioplasty is a procedure to widen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. It involves inserting a small balloon into the artery and inflating it to open the passage. Often, a stent (a small wire mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. In the setting of a heart attack, coronary angioplasty is an absolute emergency.

 

What are the means of prevention?

Prevention of coronary artery disease includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Treatments include medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as procedures such as angioplasty and stenting to restore blood flow to the heart.

 

By taking care of your heart and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with coronary artery disease.