Have you been experiencing difficulty breathing and chest pain for a long time? Your health might be in a more serious condition than you think, so getting examined by a physician as soon as possible is in your best interest. You are experiencing symptoms that are associated with a health condition that is known as coronary heart disease. In this article, you will learn more about coronary heart disease and what a physician can do to treat it.
Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Develop?
Coronary heart disease develops when plaque begins to accumulate in the coronary arteries of your heart. The arteries are vital because they send blood to your heart. The blood contains a large amount of oxygen, which is needed for you to survive. The inner layer of the coronary arteries can become damaged from high levels of cholesterol and sugar being in your blood. The damaged areas of the arteries create space for plaque to build up.
What Might Happen Without Treatment?
There are numerous things that can happen if coronary heart disease is left untreated. For example, the plaque will eventually become hard, which can lead to it rupturing. Once the plaque ruptures, your coronary arteries can become narrow. You don't want the disease to get to the point in which your arteries are narrow because blood will have a difficult time flowing to your heart. You can also end up suffering from heart failure or a heart attack if the condition becomes too severe.
How Is Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosed?
A physician can diagnosis coronary heart disease using one or more techniques. A stress test can be done to pinpoint abnormalities when it comes to your heart rate, ability to breathe, and heart rhythm. You will basically be asked to exercise as the tests are being performed in order to make your heart beat faster. An electrocardiogram (EKG) test might also be performed so the electrical activity of your heart can be examined. An x-ray and blood test are likely to be done as well.
How Can Coronary Heart Disease Be Treated?
There are numerous ways in which coronary heart disease can be treated, as it depends on your specific condition. For instance, you might simply need to change your diet, exercise more, and quit smoking. However, if your arteries are in bad shape, you might need to undergo the coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The physician will simply take a healthy artery from your body and attach it to a blocked artery via surgery.
If you've been suffering from symptoms like chest pain or if you are constantly out of breath, talk to a doctor like those at Firelands Regional Medical Center for a diagnosis.
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