About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Blockage in the Heart
Introduction
A blockage in the heart, also known as a coronary artery blockage, occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries become narrowed or completely obstructed. This can lead to serious conditions such as angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Causes of Heart Blockage
- Atherosclerosis - The most common cause. It involves the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) inside the artery walls, leading to narrowing.
- Blood Clots (Thrombosis) - When plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and completely block the artery.
- Spasms of the Coronary Arteries - Temporary narrowing of the arteries due to excessive stress, smoking, or stimulant use.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea or dizziness
- Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- In severe cases, a heart attack
Diagnosis
Common Tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Detects heart abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram - Ultrasound imaging of the heart.
- Stress Test - Monitors heart function under physical stress.
- Coronary Angiography - A contrast dye is injected to visualize artery blockages.
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy diet (low in saturated fats and cholesterol)
- Regular exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
Medications:
- Statins - To lower cholesterol.
- Aspirin - To prevent blood clot formation.
- Beta-blockers - To reduce heart workload.
- Nitroglycerin - To relieve chest pain.
Medical Procedures:
- Angioplasty and Stent Placement - A balloon is inflated to open the artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) - Uses blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass blocked arteries.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood pressure and diabetes
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
Conclusion
Heart blockages are serious but manageable conditions. Early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of complications. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/guidelines
- https://www.acc.org/
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3415/7743115
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210710/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/3/407/5556137
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504439/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.