Coronary heart disease: symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Definition of coronary heart disease

What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?

The definition or definition of coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. This disease can also be referred to as ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease.

CHD occurs due to narrowing or blockage of arteries. The blockage occurs because there is a buildup of cholesterol that forms plaque in the arteries for a long time. This process of narrowing of the artery walls is called atherosclerosis.

If the cholesterol plaque breaks, blood clots will form that clog the coronary arteries and block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This condition is known as a heart attack.

This means that coronary heart disease is one of the causes of heart attacks. Over time, if not treated promptly, coronary heart disease can cause the heart muscle to weaken, leading to complications such as heart failure and arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances).

How common is coronary heart disease (CHD)?

Coronary heart disease can be experienced by anyone, without exception. In addition, this disease is a type of chronic heart disease which is one of the causes of high mortality rates in the world.

However, people of African ethnic descent and residents of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, have the highest potential for developing coronary heart disease. At least, 5-9% of adults aged 20 years and over suffer from coronary heart disease.

You can reduce your chances of getting this disorder by reducing your risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of coronary heart disease

After knowing what coronary heart disease is, now is the time for you to understand the symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of coronary heart disease do not always appear immediately at the onset of the disease.

However, over time, there are some symptoms of coronary heart disease that you should be aware of. Among others are:

1. Chest pain (angina)

Angina is very intense chest pain caused by the heart muscle not getting an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood. The pain is similar to being pinched or crushed by a heavy object.

The sensation of being pinched can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, and the left side of the back. It can also be like penetrating from the front of the chest to the back. The pain may appear and get worse when the patient is doing strenuous activities, such as exercising.

You also need to know that the symptoms of angina in men and women are different. Women tend to have more frequent heart attacks that begin with a specific pain in the lower chest and lower abdomen.

But keep in mind that not all chest pain is a symptom of coronary heart disease. Chest pain due to coronary heart disease is generally usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as cold sweats.

2. Cold sweat and nausea

When the blood vessels constrict, the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen, causing a condition called ischemia.

This condition will trigger a sensation that is often described as a cold sweat. On the other hand, ischemia can also trigger reactions of nausea and vomiting.

3. Shortness of breath

A heart that is not functioning normally will have difficulty pumping blood to your lungs, making it difficult for you to breathe. In addition, the fluid that collects in the lungs also causes shortness of breath to get worse.

Shortness of breath which is a symptom of coronary heart disease usually coincides with chest pain.

When to see a doctor?

If you have chest pain that feels very intense, or you suspect you have a heart attack, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Sometimes people with coronary heart disease mistake angina for "colds". This misdiagnosis often makes people who have coronary heart disease late to get effective treatment.

Therefore, consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or if you smoke.

These factors can increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the severity of the disease.

Causes of coronary heart disease

What causes coronary heart disease (CHD)?

There are many causes of coronary heart disease. Even so, research shows that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the blood vessels are major factors that can damage artery walls. This condition causes coronary heart disease.

When the arteries are damaged, plaque will more easily stick to the arteries and gradually thicken. The narrowing of the vessels then blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

If this plaque breaks, platelets will stick to the wound in the artery and form a blood clot that blocks the artery. This can make angina worse.

When the blood clot is large enough, the arteries are compressed, leading to a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.

Coronary heart disease risk factors

What increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)?

Some of the factors that can affect coronary heart disease are:

• Elderly

As they get older, the arteries become narrower and more fragile.

• Gender

Men are more at risk of developing coronary artery disease than women.

• Genetic

If any of your family members suffer from heart problems, the risk of coronary heart disease increases.

• Smoking habit

Nicotine can cause artery constriction while carbon monoxide causes vessel damage.

• Medical history

Have a history of high blood pressure and / or high blood fat levels.

• Trauma or stress

Have had long-term mental trauma or severe psychological stress.

Meanwhile, atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle habits and conditions such as:

• Rarely or even not actively moving.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Eating less healthy food.
• Smoke.
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Diabetes.

However, not having a risk does not mean you are free from the possibility of coronary artery disease. You need to consult a doctor for more information.

Complications of coronary heart disease

What are the complications of coronary heart disease?

According to the National Blood, Lung, and Blood Institute, coronary artery disease can cause several complications that are closely related to heart health conditions. Here are some of the complications of coronary heart disease:

1. Chest pain (Angina)

Apart from being one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease, angina also seems to be one of the complications that may occur. The reason is, when the arteries in your body narrow, your heart doesn't receive the blood it needs.

This can cause angina or shortness of breath. This condition usually appears when you are doing physical activity.

2. Heart attack

As mentioned earlier, coronary heart disease is one of the main causes of heart attacks. When the cholesterol plaque found in the arteries bursts and forms a blood clot, there is a possibility that a total blockage of the artery will occur.

This condition can trigger a heart attack. This is because when a blockage occurs, the heart does not receive oxygen-rich blood as needed. Obstruction of blood flow to the heart can cause damage to the heart muscle.

The sooner you get treated for a heart attack, the less damage is done to the heart muscle.

3. Heart failure

Coronary heart disease can also lead to heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which part of your heart is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients it doesn't get because of blocked arteries.

Heart failure can also occur when your heart has been damaged from a heart attack. This means that your heart may not be able to function properly to pump blood around the body.

4. Heart rhythm disturbances

Another complication that may also occur due to coronary artery disease is heart rhythm disturbances, also known as arrhythmias. This condition usually occurs due to insufficient blood intake to the heart.

Another thing that can cause arrhythmias is the presence of tissue in the heart that interferes with the heart's electrical impulses.

Diagnosis & treatment of coronary heart disease

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

There are several ways that a doctor or medical professional can do to diagnose coronary artery disease, including:

1. Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Examination using an electrocardiogram is one way that can be taken to diagnose coronary heart disease. This tool serves to record the electrical signals that travel through the heart in the body. An EKG can often diagnose evidence of a pre-occurring or ongoing heart attack.

2. Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a test to diagnose coronary artery disease conditions. This tool uses sound waves to produce an image of your heart. During an examination using an echocardiogram, your doctor can determine whether all parts of the heart are working normally when pumping blood.

With an echocardiogram, the doctor can find out some parts that are weak and may be damaged when a heart attack occurs. Doctors can also diagnose several other heart disease conditions with this tool.

3. EKG stress test

If the symptoms of coronary heart disease occur most frequently while you are exercising, your doctor may ask you to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle during the EKG test.

This test is known as a stress test, and in certain cases, your doctor will ask you to use drugs to stimulate the heart in a stress test instead of an exercise test.

Some stress tests are done using an echocardiogram. For example, the doctor may perform an examination usingultrasoundbefore and after you try walking over treadmillor riding a stationary bicycle.

A nuclear stress test is another test that can help measure how much and how fast blood is flowing to your heart muscle. This is done to determine the condition of your heart when you are resting or doing nothing and during times of stress.

4. Cardiac catheterization and angiogram

To observe how smoothly blood flows to your heart, your doctor may inject a special dye into a vein in your heart. This test is known as an angiogram.

A dye is injected into the heart arteries through a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the artery. During the cardiac catheterization process, the dye that goes in earlier will outline the spots which will show a blockage on the image display on the screen.

If a blockage is found that requires treatment, a balloon will be pushed through the catheter and inflated to increase blood flow in your coronary arteries.

5. CT scan of the heart

A computerized tomography or CT scan can help your doctor see calcium deposits in your arteries. Excess calcium can narrow the arteries so this can be a sign of possible coronary artery disease.

In addition, the doctor can also recommend X-ray and ultrasound procedures to determine your condition.

What are the treatment options for coronary heart disease (CHD)?

Some of the drugs used to treat coronary artery disease are:

1. Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Cholesterol-lowering drugs can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body, thereby reducing the amount of fat buildup that sticks to the arteries.

The types of cholesterol-lowering drugs that can be used to treat CHD are statins, niacin, and also fibrates.

2. Aspirin

Aspirin is a blood thinner that can help dissolve clogged blood. In addition, aspirin can also reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.

However, in some cases, aspirin may not be a good choice. Tell your doctor if you have a blood clotting disorder. In addition, make sure that the use of aspirin has been approved by a doctor.

3. Beta blockers

Beta blockers can lower blood pressure and prevent the risk of myocardial infarction.

4. Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can also help prevent the risk of heart attack that may arise with coronary heart disease.

5. Operating procedures

In addition to the use of drugs, you can also undergo surgical procedures as a treatment for coronary artery disease. Some of them are:

• Insertion of a stent or heart ring to widen the narrowed coronary arteries.
• Coronary surgery such as heart bypass surgery is the most common treatment for CHD.
• Doctors can also perform angioplasty if needed.

Home remedies for coronary heart disease

To control the development of coronary artery disease, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary artery disease. The reason is, the nicotine content in cigarettes makes blood vessels narrow and forces the heart to work harder.

In addition, the carbon monoxide produced by cigarettes reduces oxygen in the blood and damages the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, if you are a smoker, immediately stop this habit that is not healthy for your heart.

2. Control blood pressure

You need to control your blood pressure at least once every two years. However, if your doctor feels that your blood pressure is higher than normal, you may be advised to get checked more frequently. Normal blood pressure is usually less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic mmHg.

3. Check cholesterol levels in the body

Check with your doctor about your cholesterol levels from the time you were 20 years at least once every five years. If your cholesterol test results are below normal limits, your doctor will advise you to check your cholesterol more often.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help you maintain your weight and control blood sugar levels in the body, control blood cholesterol levels, and control blood pressure. All of these are risk factors for coronary heart disease.

With your doctor's permission, you should maximize your chances of exercising as much as 150 minutes a week. You can do any sport as long as you don't exceed your limit. For example, try walking for 30 minutes five times a week.

5. Maintain a healthy diet

In order to reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, you can start implementing a healthy diet for your heart. You can also apply heart-healthy cooking habits so that you and your family members at home avoid this disease.

Foods that are good for heart health include foods made from vegetables, fruit, whole grains, whole grains, and nuts. Then, avoid foods that are rich in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

The reason is, these foods can increase your weight. Meanwhile, obesity can increase the risk of heart disease, including CHD.

6. Manage stress

Managing stress is one way you can also prevent heart disease, including CHD. Take healthy ways to manage stress, such as muscle relaxation, yoga, and deep breathing.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.