Ischemic Heart Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment Options

  • 05 Apr 2025
Ischemic Heart Disease: What you need to know

Key highlights or summary

  • IHD occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart, potentially causing angina, heart attacks, or heart failure.
  • Common ischemic heart disease symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue
  • Hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetics significantly contribute to developing ischemic heart disease.
  • Diagnostic methods include ECGs, stress tests, and angiography, while treatments range from medications and lifestyle changes to surgical interventions
  • Adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and routine health check-ups are critical in reducing ischemic heart disease risk.

Rate our article

We'd love to know

  • 0

  • 0

  • 0

  • 0

How was the experience with the article?

We'd love to know

Frequently asked questions

The primary cause of ischemic heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the coronary arteries, narrowing or blocking blood flow. This restriction deprives the heart muscle of oxygen-rich blood, triggering ischemic heart disease symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

Common symptoms of ischemic heart disease include chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and excessive sweating.

Ischemic heart disease risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic stress along with factors like age, gender and family history of heart disease.

Diagnosing ischemic heart disease involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. Tests include electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, blood tests for cholesterol and cardiac enzymes, and imaging methods like echocardiography or CT coronary angiography.

Treatment for ischemic heart disease combines lifestyle changes, medications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Lifestyle modifications include a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation. Medications such as beta-blockers, statins, and antiplatelet agents help manage symptoms and reduce risk factors.

Key measures include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

The symptoms of ischemic heart disease often differ between men and women. While chest pain (angina) is common in both, women may experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion, shortness of breath, or pain.