What is irreversible myocardial ischemia?
After an initial period of ischemia during which restoration of supply conditions still allows structural and functional recovery of the myocardial cell, ischemic injury becomes irreversible or, in other words, reversible ischemia turns into infarction.
What is a reversible defect on a stress test?
A coronary stenosis is detected when a myocardial segment takes up the nuclear tracer at rest, but not during cardiac stress. This is called a “reversible defect.” Scarred myocardium from prior infarct will not take up tracer at all and is referred to as a “fixed defect.”
Can ischemic heart disease cause death?
It is well known that ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of sudden death, being responsible for more than 80% of cases.
Can ischemic heart disease cause a stroke?
Common heart disorders can increase your risk for stroke. For example, coronary artery disease increases your risk for stroke, because plaque builds up in the arteries and blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Where is ischemic heart disease most common?
For this reason, ischemic heart disease occurs most frequently in people who have atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries), blood clots, coronary artery spasm, or severe illnesses that increase the heart’s need for oxygen.
What are the risk factors of ischemic heart disease?
The following are risk factors for ischemic heart disease:
- Smoking. Smoking as few as four cigarettes per day makes you seven times more likely to develop heart disease.
- High Blood Pressure.
- High Cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
- Physical Inactivity.
- Waist Size.
- Psychosocial Issues.
- Family History.
How can we prevent ischemic heart disease?
There are several ways you can reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), such as lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Be more physically active.
- Keep to a healthy weight.
- Give up smoking.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
What is the greatest risk factor for heart disease?
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is a medical condition that happens when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain.