Myocardial ischemia also known as cardiac ischemia/ischaemic heart disease is a severe health condition when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood supply to perform its functions. The heart muscle which contains oxygen and nutrients, due to lack of blood supply eventually stops working the way it should. If this lack of blood from your coronary arteries is severe, it damages the heart muscle and leads to a heart attack. People who get myocardial ischemia often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of cardiovascular disease, a history of tobacco use, and diabetes as underlying health conditions.
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Myocardial ischemia implies that blood flow to the cardiac muscle tissue has decreased, leading to poor oxygen supply. Plaques made up mostly of cholesterol accumulate on the walls of the artery and begin to restrict blood flow. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia which can aggravate into myocardial infarction (when blood flow is completely cut off) resulting in necrosis or cellular death of the affected part of the heart muscle.
Symptoms Of Myocardial Ischemia
The most common symptom of myocardial ischemia is anginal pain which is of two types- stable and unstable angina. Stable angina will stop after you begin to take medication to manage it along with ample rest. Unstable angina, which may happen at any time will not go away even when you continue to take medication.
Besides chest pain that appears like indigestion or heartburn, here are some other symptoms:
- Chest discomfort
- Heaviness in the chest
- Tightness
- Pressure in the chest area
- Burning sensation
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or anxious
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Profuse sweating
- Pain or severe discomfort in the upper body including your arms, left shoulder, and jaws
What Causes Myocardial Ischemia?
Coronary Artery Disease. This happens when there is a buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries, which perform a crucial role in supplying blood to your heart muscles. The buildup narrows your artery so much that the heart muscle gets very little oxygen. Atherosclerotic plaque causes fatal heart attacks and is a primary cause of ischemia and angina.
Blood Clot. When plaque formation in the coronary artery breaks it apart, a blood clot happens. This kind of blood clot when settles in a coronary artery that is already narrow can cause thrombosis.
Coronary Artery Spasm. This happens when the coronary arteries reduce or cut off blood supply to your heart.
Cocaine Use: When cocaine in the body goes into excess, the blood supply to your heart gets affected.
High Cholesterol: One of the primary reasons for a disrupted blood supply which leads to a heart attack.
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How Is Myocardial Ischemia Diagnosed?
Apart from medical history and a thorough physical exam, the healthcare provider will recommend the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Holter monitor
- Exercise stress test
- Coronary angiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Heart MRI
- Blood tests
How Is Myocardial Ischemia Treated?
Myocardial ischemia treatments may include medications, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement, coronary artery bypass graft, etc to improve blood flow to your heart muscle. Your treatment will be decided according to and depending on the cause of the problem. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about the treatment that should be best for you according to the severity of the problem.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of myocardial ischemia. your healthcare provider may recommend medications or lifestyle changes:
- Medicines such as beta-blockers and cholesterol-lowering drugs if required
- Using ACE inhibitors depending on the severity
- Lifestyle changes
- Get treatment for diabetes
- Keep blood pressure in check
- Get treatment for high cholesterol
- Add thirty to forty minutes of exercise to the routine
- Eat less fat and lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
