Heart Blockage Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Heart Blockage
Heart blockage, often referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD), is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Heart Blockage
Causes of Heart Blockage
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- Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them over time.
- High Blood Pressure: Puts strain on the arteries, increasing the risk of blockages.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can contribute to plaque formation.
- Smoking: Damages the blood vessel walls and accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: Increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart blockages.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition can be a risk factor.
- Obesity: Increases the likelihood of other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Symptoms of Heart Blockage:
- Chest Pain (Angina):
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Dizziness or Fainting
- Nausea or Abdominal Discomfort
Types
First degree heart block
This is the mildest form of heart block. It involves minor disruptions to the heartbeat, such as slowing of the electrical signals in the heart, though these signals still reach the ventricles.
First degree heart block is typically asymptomatic. It generally does not cause problems or require treatment.
While first-degree heart block is usually asymptomatic and an incidental EKG finding, patients should have routine follow-up monitoring to ensure the condition does not progress to worse cardiac conduction issues. Patients can generally lead a normal, symptom-free life absent any progression of the condition.
Second degree heart block
Second degree heart block can come with a slower and sometimes irregular heart rhythm. It occurs when some electrical signals never reach the heart, causing dropped or skipped beats.
Second degree heart block is split into two subtypes:
- Type 1: This is the less serious form of second degree heart block. It is typically asymptomatic, but in some people, it can cause them to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
- Type 2: This is the more serious type of second degree heart block. It can include all of the symptoms as type 1, as well as chest pain and shortness of breath. It requires treatment with a pacemaker to maintain a regular heart rate.
Third degree, or complete, heart block
This is the most severe form of heart block. It occurs when electrical signals do not travel between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. This leads to a slower, more irregular heart rate, which can lead to symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired or faint
- Chest pain
Third degree heart block is more common in people with heart disease. It can also worsen preexisting conditions, such as heart failure. It can cause a loss of consciousness and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Third degree heart block requires prompt treatment. Without a pacemaker, there is a serious risk of a heart attack.
Prevention
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Manage Blood Pressure: Regularly monitor blood pressure and take prescribed medications as needed.
- Control Cholesterol: Keep cholesterol levels in check through diet and medications if necessary.
- Diabetes Management: If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of heart blockages
Treatment
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- Medications: Often include antiplatelets, statins, and medications to manage blood pressure.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage stress.
- Interventional Procedures: Angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: For severe blockages when other treatments aren’t sufficient.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: A structured program that helps with recovery and prevention.
Frequently Asked Question on Heart Blockage
Heart blockage, or CAD, is the narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels due to the buildup of plaque. It develops over time and can restrict blood flow to the heart.
Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis involves tests like coronary angiography, stress tests, and imaging to assess the degree of blockage.
: It can be managed and prevented through lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
: A heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help reduce the risk and manage heart blockage.
These answers provide a general overview of heart blockage, but individual cases may vary, and consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for personalised guidance.