According to the American Heart Association, more than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with heart disease this year. More than half of them will have a heart attack. Heart disease is called a silent killer because the first symptoms are often a heart attack or death.
"Ischemic" means that an organ is not getting enough blood and oxygen. Ischemic heart disease is a shortage of blood to the heart through its coronary arteries. The good news is that usually ischemia is not fatal, allowing time to seek medical attention before it progresses to a heart attack or heart failure.
The Heart and Its Blood Supply
Like other major organs of the body, the heart requires a constant supply of blood or its tissues will die. The heart depends on the coronary arteries for its blood supply. In healthy individuals, there is usually plenty of blood to meet the demands of the heart at rest and during exercise. If heart disease develops, the heart may not get the blood that it needs, causing ischemia.
Causes of Ischemic Heart Disease
The principle cause of ischemia in the heart is narrowing of the coronary arteries due to a buildup of cholesterol and plaque. Beginning early in life, cholesterol consumed through the diet begins to accumulate against the inside of the walls of the arteries. Cholesterol continues to accumulate until it completely occludes the arteries and the heart fails to get the blood that it needs. Just prior to complete occlusion of blood, the heart will exhibit warning signs for ischemia. These include chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the lower jaw, back, neck or stomach.
Dealing with Heart Disease
If you experience extreme discomfort from the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately. You could be suffering from ischemic heart disease and may be at risk for a heart attack. You doctor will help you evaluate the severity of your symptoms and recommend a course of action for treatment.
