CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Coronary Artery Disease is a common heart ailment that develops when the blood vessels that supply our heart with blood, oxygen and vital nutrients are damaged or diseased. This happens due to a buildup of cholesterol and other substances known as plaque on their inner walls. The reduced blood flow then results in improper heart function leading to a heart attack. If CAD is allowed to progress, over time, it adversely affects the blood supply to the body and can lead to changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart, called arrhythmia. It is imperative to seek proper medical intervention at the first worrying signs of an impending heart ailment, which is where Columbia Asia hospital, which has some of the best cardiologists in Bangalore, come in handy, with their expertise, skill and experience.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Some of the tell-tale signs of CAD are:

• Chest Pain/ Angina, accompanied by shortness of breath
• Pain in the arms, shoulders, upper abdomen and/or the back
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Heart Attack
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Jaw pain

Causes and Risk Factors of CAD

The various factors which cause CAD are:

• Smoking and alcoholism
• High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Hypertension
• History of Preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Family History
• Obstructive sleep apnea

How is Coronary Artery Disease diagnosed?

Columbia Asia Hospital is a state-of-the-art multispecialty centre and one of the best cardiology hospitals in Bangalore. The dedicated team of cardiologists here begin their diagnosis in a systematic fashion by ascertaining thefamily history and performing some routine blood tests and diagnostic tests.

Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart which can help determine if it is functioning normally.

Electrocardiogram: Electrical signals of the heart are recorded to give evidence of previous heart attacks or one in progress.

Cardiac Catheterization: A special dye is injected into the coronary arteries through a catheter inserted into the forearm or groin.

Heart CT Scan: This is done to detect calcium deposits in the arteries which is a major reason for them clogging up.

Stress Test: The heart’s electrical activity is monitored to measure the stress on the heart. 

Nuclear Imaging: A radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstreamto detect the regions in and around the heart that receive less blood flow.

With the help of cutting-edge techniques facilitated by advanced equipment, Columbia Asia hospitals endeavors to be the top healthcare centre for heart attack treatment in Bangalore.

Treatment

Although there is no permanent cure for CAD, it can be managed effectively through some lifestyle changes, medications and even surgery if the situation warrants it.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Quit smoking
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet which is low in fat and sodium
• Maintaining healthy weight

 Medications:

Aspirin helps reduce platelet count and therefore decreases the tendency of blood to clot, reducing the possibility of heart attack.

Beta-blocker drugs slow down the heart and decrease the blood pressure, which reduces the heart’s demand for oxygen. They help in reducing the risk of future attacks.

Calcium channel blockers help the heart muscle contract and pump more efficiently.

Cholesterol-modifying medications decrease the level of LDL cholesterol in the body, which forms the bulk of the deposits in the arteries.

Angiostenin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors are drugs that help decrease the blood pressure and prevent further progression of CAD.

Nitroglycerin tablets, sprays or patches temporarily widen the coronary arteries, reduce the heart’s demand for blood and help relieve chest pain.

Surgery

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: The surgeon creates a graft using a blood vessel from any other part of the body in order to bypass the blocked artery. 
• Balloon Angioplasty: A stent is inserted in order to keep the lumen open in order to widen the blocked arteries and eliminate the plaque build-up.
• Angioplasty and stent placement: A catheter is inserted into the clogged artery and a deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the affected area. When it is inflated, it compresses the fatty deposits against the artery walls. A stent is then left in the artery to keep it open. 
• Laser Surgery: Numerous tiny holes are made in the heart muscle to facilitate the formation of new blood vessels.

Columbia Asia Hospital is a premier healthcare centre and much sought-after for coronary artery disease treatment in Bangalore, and is a good choice of hospital to consult in the aftermath of all cardiac diseases.