Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease and How to Stay Heart-Healthy
Important facts and prevention ideas to improve heart health
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), known as coronary artery disease or publicly heart disease, is a widespread condition affecting the lives of millions. This condition can occur when the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked.
So, in short, IHD is “a dynamic process of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries or functional alterations of coronary circulation that lifestyle, pharmacological therapies, and revascularization can modify.” I will unfold this important definition in simple language.
IHD can affect people of all ages but is more common among older individuals. For me, IHD hits close to home because my father passed away from a heart attack before his 60th birthday, and there’s a genetic connection.
To stay on top of things, I regularly consult with a cardiologist and follow his advice. Coming from a science background, I also read scientific papers, especially clinical studies, enhancing our knowledge. I’d like to share some straightforward information to raise awareness about this debilitating condition.
Yesterday, I read an educative and inspiring article written by Dr Mehmet Yildiz titled 10 Steps to a Longer Lifespan by Preventing Premature Death.
Since he referred to my age group while defining and talking about premature death, the story strongly impacted me. Therefore, I wanted to amplify the story for my readers by reflecting on my thoughts and experiences.
Furthermore, what struck me most profoundly was the broader context Dr. Yildiz presented — data from the World Health Organization revealing that Ischemic Heart Disease had claimed the top spot as the deadliest ailment globally.
I took a reference copy of the WHO’s chart, which inspired me to write this short story and served as a stark reminder for me.
Cardiovascular disease is also widespread in the US. According to the CDC, “One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack.”
As Dr. Yildiz rightly pointed out, life is inherently unpredictable, yet it provides numerous opportunities for us to exert control and influence through our choices for a healthy lifestyle.
I wholeheartedly subscribe to this perspective, particularly when reflecting on my own life, given that my father passed away at a much younger age than I am now.
How Ischemic Heart Disease Happen
IHD arises when the coronary arteries, the blood vessels supplying the heart, become narrowed or clogged. The primary culprit here is the buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque. In scientific terms, this is called atherosclerosis.
This buildup of fatty deposits, fibrous elements, and calcification can be caused by excessive cholesterol, inflammation, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels (diabetes), sedentary life, obesity, and genetics.
So, let me briefly explain several factors that can contribute to this buildup of fatty deposits, fibrous elements, and calcification.
High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to plaque formation.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can play a role in damaging blood vessels.
Smoking: Tobacco smoke can harm blood vessels and contribute to plaque.
High Blood Pressure: Straining the arteries can promote plaque formation.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can affect blood vessel health.
Lack of Exercise: Physical inactivity can increase the risk.
Obesity: Extra weight strains the heart and arteries.
Genetics: Family history of heart disease can raise the risk.
The inner lining of blood vessels is called the vascular endothelium, made up of endothelial cells. It acts as the first barrier for things like molecules, cells, or germs in the bloodstream.
In large vessels, this lining is a single layer of endothelial cells, along with collagen and elastic fibers, forming the innermost part of the vessels. You can learn more about endothelial cells from this outstanding story of Dr Mehmet Yildiz. I won’t repeat those details here.
Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease
Symptoms of IHD can vary, but common signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, and, in severe cases, symptoms of a heart attack, like intense chest pain radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw, accompanied by sweating and nausea.
How is Ischemic Heart Disease Treated
Treating IHD depends on its severity and may involve:
Medications: Including blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering statins, and blood pressure medications.
Medical Procedures: Such as angioplasty or bypass surgery to open blocked arteries.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: A program to aid recovery and improve heart health.
Lifestyle Changes: Embracing a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and stress management.
Experts like my cardiologist emphasize that the best defense against IHD starts with making healthy lifestyle choices as early as possible.
How Can Ischemic Heart Disease Be Prevented
Beyond the basics of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management through restful sleep, it’s vital to avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.
These lifestyle changes aim to reduce physical, emotional, and mental stress that can harm the heart and cardiovascular system.
Lowering oxidative stress can also help reduce chronic inflammation, a significant driver of plaque buildup.
Addressing conditions like diabetes, which affects all cells, including heart cells, is another crucial step in lowering the risk of Ischemic Heart Disease.
In essence, taking care of our hearts involves understanding the factors contributing to heart disease and taking proactive steps to maintain heart health for a longer, healthier life.
I also enjoyed this recent story from Dr Yildiz, who gave us practical tips to have a healthier heart and prevent cardiovascular disorders.
Related to aging and premature death, I also wrote a story about telomeres and explained why I paid more attention to them after my 70s. Unfortunately, this story received very few views, and I wonder why most of my followers couldn’t find it.
Anyway, here you have another story of an old man trying to make sense of life. Thank you for reading and commenting. I wish you a healthier life.
If you want to explore more from my life lessons, here are the links to my recent stories.
About Me
I am a retired scientist in his mid-70s and a new writer on Medium, but I am not new to writing. As a giveback activity, I volunteered to be an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many writers recently joining Medium like me.
If you want to write for these publications, you may send your Medium ID via this weblink. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories.
You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. I plan to share stories I read and edit on the Quora Space of the Illumination-Curated publication.
Here are my recent achievements on this platform.
If you are a new writer, you may need to create a BIO. As an altruistic activity, my good editor friend Aiden (Illumination Gaming) compiles these writer bios and promotes them. You can learn from this story.
Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies
I also started curating some great stories. You may check my collections to find some interesting, engaging, and informative stories from my reading list.
