Signs, types, and treatment of coronary heart disease
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cardiovascular condition in the modern world. Doctors warn that if it's not detected and treated early, it can lead not only to serious health complications or temporary loss of work capacity but also to a fatal outcome. However, there are many treatment methods available that help patients effectively manage this condition.
How to Recognize IHD
Ischemic heart disease primarily develops due to damage to the coronary arteries and, as a result, impaired blood supply to the myocardium (heart muscle). When the heart muscle no longer receives enough oxygen, patients typically experience the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain behind the breastbone;
- Shortness of breath;
- Arrhythmia;
- Severe weakness;
- Leg swelling.
These symptoms usually appear after intense physical exertion or emotional stress. In advanced stages, even minor psychological strain may be sufficient to trigger pain. Doctors treat this set of symptoms with utmost seriousness — if you notice even half of these signs, seek immediate medical attention.
Common Types of IHD
The main form of ischemic heart disease is angina — caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart, leading to oxygen deprivation. Untreated or progressive angina leads to myocardial ischemia and necrosis (tissue death). Without proper care or under aggravating conditions, it can develop into a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Another widespread type of IHD is myocardial infarction. It occurs when part of the heart muscle dies due to severe disruption of blood circulation. Depending on the size of the damaged area, timely medical intervention, and individual patient factors, a heart attack can lead to heart failure.
Heart failure, the third type of IHD, develops due to reduced ability of the heart muscle to contract properly. This stage of ischemic heart disease can range from relatively mild to extremely severe, often accompanied by persistent chest pain. Once heart failure appears, long-term medication therapy and regular monitoring by a physician are required.
Causes of IHD
Depending on lifestyle, gender, and age, ischemic heart disease can develop gradually or suddenly as a complication after stress or infection. The primary cause of angina is atherosclerosis — cholesterol plaques forming near the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis itself is triggered by:
- Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension);
- Diabetes;
- Metabolic disorders; elevated cholesterol levels.
Heart failure is often linked to cardiosclerosis — a condition where some heart muscle cells are replaced by scar tissue. Cardiosclerosis is promoted by overeating, excessive smoking, and frequent alcohol consumption. IHD often affects people who lead sedentary lifestyles or those who are overly active physically.
Diagnosis of IHD
The first diagnostic step in detecting ischemic heart disease is always an electrocardiogram (ECG). As additional diagnostic tools, ultrasound imaging and echocardiography are used. To identify complications related to IHD, functional tests are performed — recording the heart’s response to various types of physical exercise using specialized equipment. After diagnosis and confirmation of the exact condition, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment or recommends surgical intervention.
Treatment of IHD at the Sanatorium
The best effect on the health of patients suffering from ischemic heart disease comes from comprehensive sanatorium treatment. Fresh air, a change to a more comfortable environment, healthy nutrition, and the care of qualified physicians significantly accelerate recovery. At the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium, the following treatments are applied for IHD:
- Dry carbonic acid baths;
- Various physiotherapeutic procedures;
- Darsonvalization;
- Medications individually selected for each patient;
- Ultrasound therapy.
However, doctors strongly advise not to wait until the disease progresses to a critical stage requiring treatment. Prevention is the key! The staff at the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium will help you implement timely prevention of IHD and assist in overcoming this disease at any stage.