Coronary Artery Disease

RK Heart Care > Coronary Artery Disease
How frequently do you encounter a diagnostic test that not only identifies issues but also serves as a therapeutic intervention? The angiogram is a prime example of such technology, capable of both diagnosis and treatment. Esteemed cardiologists, including Dr. Ravi Kiran Muddada, hold this procedure in high regard, as it has proven instrumental in restoring health for numerous heart patients.

What is Coronary Artery Disease ?

Coronary artery disease occurs when particles such as cholesterol, blood clots, or other debris accumulate in your bloodstream, leading to blockages in your blood vessels. This condition poses a significant threat to heart health, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Immediate attention is crucial in addressing this critical cardiovascular condition.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

There are many factors which can gradually lead to Coronary Artery Disease. Some of the risk factors are:
  • High BP
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Excessive intake of salt and fatty foods
  • Diabetes, obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Blood clot arising from a previous wound or surgery
  Coronary Artery Disease are more prevalent in people who are of advanced age or have a hereditary predisposition. Again, men have a higher risk of developing this condition as compared to premenopausal women.

How Can You Know If You Have Coronary Artery Disease?

The most common symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease is angina or chest pain. The other symptoms are:
  • Pain, numbness, or discomfort in the left arm, left shoulder, back, neck, etc.
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Sweating or ‘cold sweat’
  • Indigestion or a feeling of choking
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they last longer than 5 minutes or increase in intensity, seek medical attention immediately.

How Is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?

In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) can be addressed through both medication and surgical interventions.

Medication options encompass a range of drugs designed to achieve specific health outcomes:

  1. Anticoagulants: These medications promote blood thinning, reducing the risk of clot formation.
  2. Vasodilators: Medicines that induce relaxation in blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow.
  3. Antiarrhythmics: Drugs that help regulate and stabilize the heartbeat.
  4. Antiplatelet agents: Medications that prevent the clumping of platelets, thereby minimizing the formation of suspended particles in the blood.

Surgical interventions offer various approaches to treat CAD:

  1. Coronary Stent Placement: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a medical stent into the artery to prevent blockages.
  2. Enhanced External Counter-pulsation (EEC): EEC utilizes electronic stimulation to restore blood flow through newly formed blood vessels, acting as a natural bypass.
  3. Angioplasty: This procedure involves the insertion and inflation of a micro-balloon in the artery to open the passage. A stent may be employed to maintain its openness and normalize blood flow.
  4. Bypass Surgery: In this surgical technique, a healthy blood vessel is extracted from an arm or leg and utilized to create an alternative channel for blood flow, replacing a blocked artery.
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