Myocardial Ischemia

Dr. Nabi Darya Vali (AIIMS)MBBS

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Myocardial Ischemia
Myocardial Ischemia

When the blood flow to the heart muscle is not done properly, that condition is called myocardial ischemia. In such a situation, the risk of heart attack increases. Symptoms of myocardial ischemia include discomfort, tightness, and pressure in the chest, as well as nausea and pain in the upper part of the body. At the same time, coronary artery disease and blood clots have been considered as the reason for this. As a treatment, apart from taking the medicines prescribed by the doctor, angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery can be done, so that the blood flow to the heart can be improved.

You can know the treatment for heart disease by clicking on the link given here.

Today in this article, you will know in detail about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of myocardial ischemia -

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Myocardial Ischemia Symptoms

Some people do not have any symptoms or signs of this problem. This is called silent myocardial ischemia. At the same time, when the symptoms start, they can be of the following types -

  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • The feeling of pressure on the chest.
  • The feeling of constriction in the chest.
  • The upper part of the body like - the arm, left shoulder, neck, jawline, and abdominal pain.
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • To sweat.
  • Feeling full of stomach.
  • Heartburn.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Feeling tired all the time.

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Myocardial Ischemia Causes

There is more than one reason for myocardial ischemia. This includes coronary artery disease, blood clots, and coronary artery spasms. Come, let us know about these reasons in detail -

Coronary artery disease

This condition is also called atherosclerosis. In this, cholesterol and plaque get deposited inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscles. This accumulation narrows the artery so much that oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the heart and the heart muscle starts feeling the lack of oxygen. Because of this, ischemia and angina happen. Atherosclerosis is the most common type of myocardial ischemia.

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Blood clots

Blood clots are formed due to the rupture of plaques that are produced in atherosclerosis. These blood clots can block an already narrowed artery and cause severe myocardial ischemia, which can also lead to a heart attack.

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Coronary artery spasm

This is an uncommon cause of myocardial ischemia. In coronary artery spasms, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced by a temporary tightening of the muscles on the artery wall.

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Lifestyle

Chest pain associated with myocardial ischemia can also be triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, extremely cold weather, cocaine use, heavy meals, and sexual intercourse.

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Myocardial Ischemia Treatment

To treat myocardial ischemia, doctors may recommend several medicines. Apart from this, it can also be treated through angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery. Come, let us know in detail about the treatment of myocardial ischemia -

Medicines

Doctors can recommend some medicines, which help in curing myocardial ischemia.

  • Aspirin - One aspirin daily or another blood thinner can reduce the risk of blood clots. This can help in avoiding the blockage of coronary arteries.
  • Nitrates - These drugs widen the arteries, which improves blood flow to the heart.
  • Beta-blockers - These medicines relax the muscles of the heart. Due to this, the heartbeat also slows down and the blood pressure also decreases. Due to this, blood flows more easily in the heart.
  • Calcium channel blockers - These medicines relax and dilate the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart. Calcium channel blockers also reduce the workload on the heart.
  • Cholesterol-lowering medicines - These medicines can reduce the deposits in the coronary arteries.
  • Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - These medicines lower blood pressure along with relaxing the blood vessels. These are also called ACE inhibitors. If there is high blood pressure or diabetes along with myocardial ischemia, then it is advisable to take this medicine.
  • Ranolazine - Coronary arteries can be relaxed with the help of this medicine.

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Angioplasty

In the angioplasty procedure, a long and thin tube is inserted into the narrowed part of the artery. The artery is widened by inserting a wire with a small balloon in this part.

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Coronary artery bypass surgery

In this process, grafting is done by taking a vessel from any other part of the body, due to which blood flow starts in the narrowed coronary artery. This is an open heart surgery, which is performed only on people who have multiple coronary arteries narrowed.

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Lifestyle changes

Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding stress, and maintaining a balanced weight are important for heart health.

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Takeaway

In the condition of myocardial ischemia, the muscles of the heart are unable to pump blood. Due to multiple blockages in the arteries of the heart, there is a possibility of a heart attack. Its symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, pain in the upper part of the body, difficulty in breathing, and vomiting. Causes of myocardial ischemia are coronary artery disease and blood clots. For its treatment, doctors may recommend angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery along with taking some medicines.

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Medicines for Myocardial Ischemia

Medicines listed below are available for Myocardial Ischemia. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.