Symptoms, prevention, and treatments for coronary artery disease

Posted by LIVING WELL Magazine on May 23, 2012 in Articles, Cardiology, Greater Springfield, Local Editions, Medical & Dental, Missouri, Physicians

Are You In The 50%

Coronary artery disease is the singe leading cause of death for women and men in the Ozarks

Since coronary artery disease is the single leading cause of death of women and men here in the Ozarks, we asked the cardiologists of Springfield’s Ferrell-Duncan Clinic to provide us an easy to understand explanation of the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatments for the disease. Current estimates indicate as many as 50% of all adults 40-75 may be at some stage of heart disease.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. in both men and women, and the most common type of heart disease. In simple terms, the disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. Think of this much like a pipe that fills with rust from the inside reducing the flow of water, but in this case it is the flow of blood to your heart that is being reduced. The narrowing is most often due to the buildup of cholesterol or other material, called plaque, formed on the inner walls of the artery. In medical terms, this buildup is known as atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries, and as a result, the heart simply can’t get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain, and it can lead to a heart attack.

Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the heart’s blood supply.

Over time, coronary artery disease can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure, which means the heart can not pump blood as well as it should to the rest of your body. “Baby boomers,” adults 45 to 75 are the group most at risk when it comes to coronary artery disease.

There are tell-tale signs that you or a loved one may be among the estimated 100,000 plus adults in the Ozarks that have this disease, among these are;

  • Extreme fatigue or decreased ability to perform normal everyday activities.
  • A respiratory infection or a cough that has become worse.
  • Fast heart rate (above 100 beats per minute).
  • Chest pain or discomfort during activity that is relieved with rest.
  • Difficulty breathing during regular activities or at rest.
  • Changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty sleeping or feeling the need to sleep a lot more than usual.
  • Restlessness and confusion.
  • Constant dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • Nausea or poor appetite.

This list does not represent every symptom, nor does any individual symptom mean you have coronary artery disease; however, these symptoms do mean it’s time to contact your physician who may perform a stress test or refer you to a cardiologist for a possible angiogram.

In easy to understand terms, atherosclerosis leads to coronary artery disease, which leads to heart attack. Some of us are at greater risk than others for this disease. Your risk of being among those with the disease is dramatically increased if;

  • You smoke or use tobacco products of any type. (Yes, this includes chewing tobacco)
  • You have a family history with heart disease, especially if your mom or dad experienced a heart attack early in life (men under age 60, women under age 70)
  • You have diabetes
  • You have elevated cholesterol
  • You have hypertension (commonly called the “silent killer” since it has no symptoms)

Seeing your primary care physician on an annual basis is the very best detection for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or other major risk factors for coronary artery disease.

If you are in fact among the estimated thousands here in the Ozarks to have this disease, what is the likely treatment your cardiologist will recommend? Depending on your individual diagnosis and risk factors, your doctor will likely begin with aggressive control of the risk factors. This may include medication to lower your cholesterol, lowering your blood pressure medication to allow greater blood supply to your heart, or to decrease the amount of blood your heart needs.

If you are at even higher risk, your cardiologist may perform an angioplasty, which actually means insertion of a stint to open the arteries to increase the flow of blood. This procedure most often is used by your doctor if medications do not control your pain, or if the narrowing found were in locations that significantly raise your risks.

If your disease is to the point of placing you at very high risk of heart attack, your cardiologist may refer you for bypass surgery. This surgery often uses arteries from your chest, or veins from your leg to create a route for blood to bypass the narrowed arteries.

Unfortunately for far too many men and women, death occurs due to simple neglect of the symptoms, or delay in seeking immediate treatment when a heart attack occurs. This is when time saves lives, and immediate emergency medical care should be sought. When should you immediately head for the ER (or call 911)? When you experience one or more of the following;

When chest pain lasts over 15 minutes, and/or is more severe than previous pain.

When shortness of breath is prolonged

When you experience unusual sweating, nausea, or vomiting

With these symptoms, time is of the essence. Quick action means a much higher survival rate.  With heart disease or the resulting heart attack, it’s far better to be safe rather than sorry. 

Ferrell-Duncan Clinic’s practice is MORE THAN 100 PHYSICIANS STRONG, with experts in 20 specialties and subspecialties. To reach Ferrell-Duncan, visit www.ferrellduncan.com.