Coronary Arteries and Heart Health
The heart, being a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout the entire body, constantly needs oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to maintain its functions. The vessels that carry this blood to the heart itself and surround the heart muscle like a network are called coronary arteries. It is vital for the proper functioning of the heart muscle that the coronary arteries are healthy and open.
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease is a condition in which these vessels become narrowed or blocked, usually due to atherosclerosis (artery sclerosis), resulting in insufficient blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis develops as cholesterol and other fatty substances accumulate in the vessel wall, forming hard plaques called plaques. Over time, these plaques grow and narrow the artery, obstructing blood flow.
The reduction in blood flow can cause chest pain known as "angina," especially during exertion where the heart requires more oxygen. If a plaque suddenly ruptures and a blood clot forms on it, completely blocking the artery, this can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
What are the Major Risk Factors?
The risk factors involved in the development of coronary artery disease are associated with many of the previously mentioned metabolic problems:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Causes damage by applying continuous high pressure to the vessel wall.
- High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): Is the main cause of plaque accumulation in the vessels.
- Diabetes (Sugar Disease): High blood sugar damages the vessel structure.
- Smoking: Directly damages the vessel wall and increases blood clotting tendency.
- Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Trigger all other risk factors.
- Family History: Early onset heart disease in first-degree relatives increases risk.
- Advanced Age and Gender: Risks increase with age.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptom is chest pain that usually appears with exertion (such as walking or climbing stairs) and subsides at rest (angina pectoris). This pain can be felt as:
- Pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or burning sensation in the chest
- Radiation of pain to the left arm, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal fatigue and weakness
Symptoms of a heart attack are more severe, do not go away with rest, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as cold sweating, nausea, and dizziness. This situation requires urgent medical intervention.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
During the diagnostic process, the patient's complaints and risk factors are evaluated, followed by tests such as ECG (Electrocardiography), stress test, echocardiography (ECHO). To determine the exact diagnosis and the location and severity of blockages in the vessels, coronary angiography is considered the "gold standard."
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, slow disease progression, and most importantly, prevent a heart attack. The treatment approach includes:
- Lifestyle Changes: Heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking completely, and weight control are fundamental.
- Drug Therapy: Lipid-lowering medications (statins), blood thinners (such as aspirin), blood pressure medications, and pain relievers for chest discomfort are used.
- Interventional Treatments: In cases of severe narrowing, angioplasty and stent placement are performed to open the artery. For more widespread and multiple vessel disease, coronary bypass surgery may be necessary.
Coronary artery disease is a chronic condition that should be taken seriously and requires lifelong regular medical follow-up.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.