Cardiovascular risk factors include both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Download our free blood pressure monitoring chart to track your readings for discussion with your healthcare provider.
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Cardiovascular risk factors include both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Download our free blood pressure monitoring chart to track your readings for discussion with your healthcare provider.
We understand that seeking reliable information about your heart can be overwhelming, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of common questions and their answers to empower you with knowledge. Whether you want to learn about normal heart rates, blood pressure, heart disease risk factors, or heart-healthy lifestyle choices, we’ve got you covered. You can find additional information in the Resources secton by clicking here.
The coronary arteries play a critical role in maintaining a healthy heart by supplying oxygen-rich blood to its muscles. However, when these arteries become diseased, it can have serious consequences.
The symptoms and complications of coronary artery disease (CAD) vary depending on the extent and location of the disease within the heart arteries.
The heart primarily has two main arteries, the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery. The left coronary artery further branches into the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex artery, ensuring adequate blood flow to the entire heart. The specific artery affected determines the symptoms experienced, including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or asymptomatic cases.
Tailoring the best treatment strategy, whether through lifestyle changes, medications, stents, or bypass surgery, is crucial and based on a personalized assessment of the affected coronary artery/arteries. This emphasizes the importance of individualized care and management in addressing CAD.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a widespread condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. One of the primary culprits behind CAD is the gradual accumulation of lipid plaque within the arterial walls. In this section, we shed light on this process and its potential consequences, leading to restricted blood flow or even an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Coronary artery disease starts with artery damage caused by risks including smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
In response to injury, cholesterol and other substances infiltrate the damaged area, initiating formation of plaques that may cause narrowings.
Over time, the plaques accumulate layers of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris, causing the artery walls to thicken and narrow.
As the plaque enlarges, it restricts the flow of blood to the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.
In some cases, plaque can rupture, causing a clot to form. If this becomes large enough to completely block the artery, it can result in a heart attack.
Recognizing common symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and silent ischemia, is vital for early detection. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a severe complication. When in doubt or experiencing persistent symptoms, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is crucial. Early detection and management are key to improving outcomes and preventing complications.
Angina can feel pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a burning sensation in the chest. It is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and tends to subside with rest.
This may occur during physical activity or even at rest. The reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed arteries can lead to less oxygen supply, causing breathlessness.
Some cases, particularly those with diabetes mellitus, may experience silent ischemia. This refers to a lack of typical symptoms despite reduced blood flow to the heart with minimal to no symptoms.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include intense and prolonged chest pain, tightness or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting and pain radiating to the arms, jaw, or back.
Discover our Heart Matters YouTube channel, where we bring heart health to life. From explaining common conditions and symptoms to discussing the latest research, our engaging videos simplify complex topics, ensuring you have access to valuable knowledge for a healthier heart. Subscribe now and embark on a journey of education, empowerment, and inspiration.
Let's delve into the diverse range of medications used in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated symptoms like angina. These medications play a crucial role in improving symptoms and preventing complications. Always discuss medicines with your doctor and pharmacist.
Here we present a video demonstrating some innovative research using a technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT for short). This technology utilizes near infrared light to scan within the arteries of the heart and can visualize plaques in high resolution. Professor Barlis discusses the use of OCT to better understand how plaques develop and cause complications.
The specific characteristics of heart stents can vary depending on the manufacturer and the advancements in stent technology. It is essential for healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate stent size, length, and type based on individual patient needs and the severity of the coronary artery disease. Here are some basic statistics:
In recent years, 3D printing technology has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the medical field, offering exciting possibilities for personalized healthcare solutions. One area where 3D printing holds immense promise is in the development of personalized heart stents.
Traditional heart stents come in predetermined sizes and designs, which may not always perfectly match the anatomical variations of each patient's coronary arteries. However, 3D printing enables the creation of custom-designed stents tailored to the unique specifications of an individual's arterial anatomy.
By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or optical coherence tomography (OCT), we can generate detailed 3D models of a patient's coronary arteries. These models serve as a blueprint for designing stents that precisely fit the patient's vessels, optimizing the stent's effectiveness and reducing the risk of complications.
Chief Biomedical Engineer, Vascutech Pty Ltd.
and Honorary Researcher, Graeme Clark Institue
The University of Melbourne
1.3+ Million youtube views
This informative and engaging video delves into the intricate details of heart stents, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of their significance in cardiovascular health. With its compelling visuals, expert narration, and accessible explanations, the video has successfully captured the attention of a wide audience, highlighting the ever-growing importance of heart health education in today’s digital age.
Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure that may be recommended for certain cases of coronary artery disease (CAD). Particularly, it is considered when there is multivessel disease (narrowing or blockages in multiple coronary arteries) or involvement of the left main artery, which supplies a large portion of the heart muscle. Bypass surgery offers a potential solution by creating new pathways (grafts) using blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, restoring improved blood flow to the heart.
Presenting a selection of articles on coronary artery disease (CAD) and its management. CAD is a common heart condition caused by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, leading to complications like angina, heart attack, and heart failure. The articles cover risk factors, diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and research advancements.
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