One of the leading causes of unexpected sickness and death is still heart disease, and what’s most startling is how hidden artery blockages can be. Many people are totally ignorant that they have a “time
bomb” ticking away in their chest, and they only learn about it when a cardiac episode happens.
Dr Abhijit Joshi, HOD & Consultant Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals Baner, Pune shares all you need to know:
How Blockages Develop
The heart receives its blood supply from the coronary arteries, which accumulate deposits of calcium, fat, cholesterol, and other materials over time. When these complete deposits of materials come together, the outcome is termed plaque, which slows down the arteries and eventually stops blood flow. Because there might not be a clear sign until a condition associated with the blockage occurs, this is a quite long process, and patients frequently have no way of knowing there is a problem.
The reasons why symptoms go undetected
The ability to adjust to change is a special quality of the human body. The heart could be able to generate tiny, alternative channels (collateral circulation) to maintain the blood supply even in cases where the arteries shrink and make it harder for the heart to receive blood.
Therefore, warning indications can at times be modest, such as light chest discomfort, odd weariness, or shortness of breath when exerting oneself. These symptoms are frequently ascribed to fatigue, acidity, or muscle soreness. Unfortunately, a heart attack can sometimes be the first serious warning symptom.
The “silent” factors that put a patient at risk. Risk factors that can accelerate plaque in the arteries which can progress without much notice:
• High cholesterol
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Smoking or vaping Laziness and obesity Chronic stress
In some cases where other genetic disorders causing heart disease it could be that this family has a stronger potential for early heart disease.
How to diagnose blockages
Careful monitoring and quick tests are necessary to identify a heart blockage. ECG, echocardiography, stress tests, and CT coronary angiography are examples of non-invasive testing that can reveal the presence of a medical condition. Because it enables cardiologists to see the arteries up close, conventional coronary angiography is still the gold standard for a conclusive diagnosis.
When Intervention is necessary
Treatment will be based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s general health after major obstructions have been found.
• Medications: The first line of treatment for early disease management is medication to thin the blood, decrease cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure or diabetes.
• Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive technique in which a stent is inserted to assist blood flow after a balloon breaks through the obstruction.
• Bypass surgery (CABG): When there are ten or more blockages, surgery is required. The blood supply is rerouted around the clogged arteries during surgery.
• Advanced treatments: To improve outcomes for complex disease situations, further therapeutic options include drug-eluting stents and rotablation, which removes hard, calcified plaque.
Prevention is better than cure
The best course of action is to stop the “time bomb” from ever emerging, even though modern cardiology can provide complex treatment. Risks are significantly reduced by heart-healthy habits like stress management, regular exercise, balanced diets, and enough sleep. Checkups are crucial for early diagnosis, particularly for people with a family history of the condition or other risk factors.
The understanding that heart blockages can occasionally go undetected until it is too late, rather than the fact that they are potentially fatal, is what is frightening. The silent catastrophe can be averted, and the heart can be protected before it explodes with increased awareness, early diagnosis, and quick medical or surgical intervention.
