The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that feed the heart and carry the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The heart is one of the most important organs of the body and has to work continuously. It therefore needs sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients. A narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries is called coronary artery disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment play a critical role in preventing the progression of coronary artery disease and preventing serious complications.
What are the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Thesymptoms of coronary artery disease may vary from person to person. These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the extent to which the arteries are blocked and the person's general health. Common symptoms of coronary artery disease are as follows:
Chest pain or tightness: Chest pain or tightness may occur when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen due to narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries. This pain can usually be felt behind the breastbone or in areas such as the left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw. It may increase during physical activity or stress and decrease with rest.
Shortness of breath: Insufficient blood supply to the heart can lead to insufficient oxygen transportation to the body, which can cause shortness of breath. This shortness of breath, which is felt especially during exercise or movement, may occur even while resting in advanced cases.
Fatigue: Insufficient blood supply to the heart can affect energy production and circulation. This can lead to a feeling of constant fatigue.
Sweating: Sudden episodes of sweating can be a symptom of coronary artery disease. Especially night sweats can be common.
Nausea or vomiting: Nausea or vomiting can be a sign of a heart attack. These symptoms may be more pronounced, especially in women.
Jaw or Arm Pain: In addition to chest pain, jaw or left arm pain can also be a sign of coronary artery disease. These pains are usually accompanied by chest pain.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Symptoms can sometimes be mild and not taken seriously. However, it is important to consult a specialist, especially if you have risk factors and any of these symptoms recur frequently.
Who gets coronary artery disease?
The disease is more common in individuals with certain risk factors. These risk factors include age, gender, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, stress, anxiety, alcohol consumption and genetic predisposition. These factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, but healthy lifestyle changes and management of risk factors are important in controlling the disease.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Various methods and tests are used todiagnose coronary artery disease . These diagnostic methods are used to confirm the presence of the disease, assess the degree of blockage and create an appropriate treatment plan. Some of the methods used to diagnose the disease:
- Electrocardiography (ECG),
- Effort test (Exercise Test),
- Stress echocardiography,
- Nuclear stress test,
- Coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization),
- Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography,
- Coronary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Which of these diagnostic methods to use will depend on the patient's condition and symptoms. The specialist will assess which tests are most appropriate and take the necessary steps to confirm the diagnosis of the disease and create the appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Thetreatment of coronary artery disease varies depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's general health. Treatment goals include alleviating symptoms, reducing the risk of heart attack, managing artery blockage and improving the patient's quality of life. Treatment options include healthy lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty and stenting, bypass surgery, medical therapy and monitoring. The treatment plan is based on the individual patient's condition and regular follow-up is required.