Definition:

               Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD), is a condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, usually due to the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) on the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, and reduced blood flow can lead to chest pain (angina) or heart attack.

Subtypes:

 • Angina:

               Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can lead to ischemia, which is an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart tissue. Angina is a common symptom of ischemic heart disease, characterized by chest pain or discomfort that may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back

. • Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack):

                                                                         
If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction). This occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, leading to damage or death of the tissue.

 Risk Factors: 

                        Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a inactive lifestyle.

 Diagnosis:

 • Diagnosis of ischemic heart disease involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), stress testing, echocardiogram, coronary angiography, and other imaging studies.

 Treatment:

• Lifestyle Modifications:

                                             Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial and includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, weight management, and stress reduction.

 • Medications:

                         Various medications may be prescribed to manage risk factors and improve blood flow, such as antiplatelet agents, statins, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

 • Interventional Procedures:

                                              In some cases, procedures like angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be recommended to restore blood flow to the heart.

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Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)