The coronary arteries are the blood supply for the heart muscle. Without this supply, the heart would die. Coronary artery disease affects approximately 13 million people, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and it is still the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Blockages in the coronary arteries are responsible for this disease. These blockages are caused by atherosclerosis, or cholesterol plaques. Plaques are fatty substances in the blood that harden; the size and extent of plaque build up determines treatment. Small blockages can generally be treated in a conservative manner.
Lifestyle Changes
A change in diet is essential when there is a heart blockage. Decreasing the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet will help to prevent further buildup of plague. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, following a DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet is low in sodium, which can help cut cardiovascular risk and reduce blood pressure. Quitting smoking will help to lower blood pressure and stop the narrowing of arteries which limits blood flow. According to a 2006 report by the Surgeon General, "smoking is the single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death." Exercising regularly will increase the HDL cholesterol, the beneficial cholesterol which helps carry the "bad" cholesterol, or LDL, out of the system.
Medications
Atherosclerotic plaques attract platelets. These platelets become sticky and clump together forming blood clots around the plaques. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aspirin is the mainstay for anti-platelet therapy for patients with symptoms of small blockages of the heart. Other medications may be recommended depending on the nature of the blockages. Medications such as Coumadin or Plavix are also used to prevent blood clots. Patients who are having symptoms of chest pain should carry nitroglycerin with them. This medication can be placed under the tongue when chest pain occurs and will dilate the coronary arteries allowing increased blood flow to the heart. This medication can cause headaches because of the quick vasodilation of arteries. Medications for blood pressure control also can dilate the coronary arteries and relieve the stress on the heart.
Angioplasty
Occasionally small blockages do not respond to conservative treatment and a procedure becomes necessary to alleviate symptoms. An angioplasty is a procedure in which a thin wire with a balloon on the end is threaded through the femoral artery, the artery in your groin, until it reaches the coronary arteries. Once in the diseased vessel, the balloon is inflated and compresses the plaque against the wall of the artery. A stent is placed to keep the artery opened, according to MayoClinic.com.
