- July 15, 2024
- Web Editorial Board
- Diseases, Health Guide
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
RISK FACTORS
CIGARETTE : It acts by causing damage to the inner wall of the veins and disrupting blood clotting.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL: While especially high levels of LDL and TRIGLYCERIDE increase the risk of coronary artery disease, high HDL plays a protective role.
DIABETES MELLITUS: Since coronary artery disease is considered a high risk factor, an annual heart examination is recommended for people with diabetes.
ALCOHOL
OBESITY
GENETICS: Among family members, those with first-degree relatives who have coronary artery disease over the age of 45 for men and 55 for women constitute the risk group.
SYMPTOMS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Although coronary artery disease appears in many different forms, the most common symptoms are chest pain that is reflected in the neck, arm and jaw, shortness of breath, weakness, and cold sweats in situations where the heart rate increases (walking, working, climbing stairs, after meals, after stress). It gives indication as follows. To a lesser extent, there are also conditions called silent ischemia, which are detected only as a result of examinations without any symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
The most important thing in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is the patient’s complaints, and ECG, ECHO, STRESS TESTS (EXERCISE, SCINTIGRAPHY, DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHO) and CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY are also helpful in making the diagnosis.The gold standard in diagnosis is CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY.
TREATMENT
Treatment of coronary artery disease varies depending on the patient’s complaints. It is mandatory for a patient with a heart attack to undergo urgent coronary angiography and open the blocked artery. In patients presenting with complaints other than heart attack, drug treatment should be started and coronary angiography should be performed after the necessary examinations. The important thing in treatment is the use of drugs that prevent blood clotting, lower cholesterol, regulate heart rate and control blood pressure. In addition, walking, cholesterol-low diet, salt reduction, smoking cessation, weight control, etc. General life changes are also important components of treatment.
AM I HAVING A HEART ATTACK?
A heart attack occurs due to sudden blockage of the heart vessels as a result of a clot in the vessels feeding the heart. As a result, chest pain occurs that is in the form of pressure in the front of the chest and can spread to the neck, jaw, left arm and back. It may also be accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, weakness, fear of death, palpitations, fainting and sudden cardiac arrest. Chest pain usually lasts more than 30 minutes. People with these complaints should immediately apply to the nearest health unit.
CAN I PREVENT A HEART ATTACK?
It can often be detected before a heart attack occurs. In people with risk factors, the complaint of chest pain similar to movement usually lasts for a shorter period of time and is relieved by rest. People with this complaint must first control their risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, sedentary life). With advanced tests and coronary angiography, cardiovascular disease can be detected and a heart attack in the future can be prevented.
BEWARE OF THE SILENT HEART ATTACK
About 1/3 of all heart attacks are silent heart attacks. It is especially common in diabetic patients. While the patient has no complaints, examinations performed for other reasons reveal that he had a heart attack. Since the clogged heart vessel cannot feed the heart tissue, damage to the heart occurs and a decrease in the working performance of the heart is observed. This condition, called heart failure, is irreversible. Therefore, an annual cardiology examination is recommended, especially for diabetic patients.
HEART ATTACK TREATMENT
A person who thinks he is having a heart attack should first try to remain calm and, if possible, move to an environment with plenty of oxygen. If he can reach it, he should take chewable aspirin under the tongue and immediately consult a health institution. In patients with chest pain who apply to a health institution, an ECG should be taken immediately and aspirin should be given if they have not taken aspirin. Since the condition that causes a heart attack is cardiovascular occlusion; Coronary angiography should be performed urgently, the obstruction should be detected and vascular patency should be ensured by using a balloon or stent.