Today, we will introduce you to coronary artery disease, a condition not only risky for the elderly but also for many other groups who may be at risk without realizing it. This disease has symptoms, treatments, and techniques for self-prevention. Let’s take a look.
“How does coronary artery disease occur?”
The doctor simply explains to us that “Coronary artery disease occurs when fat deposits build up on the blood vessel walls, causing the arteries that supply the heart to narrow. This reduces blood flow, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle and increasing the risk of heart attack.”
Symptoms to watch out for
Patients with coronary artery disease may experience symptoms such as chest tightness during exercise or heavy work, which improves with rest. They may also have shortness of breath from heart failure. Some may experience acute chest pain, sweating, and fainting.
What are the risk factors?
Many people mistakenly believe that aging is the only risk factor for coronary artery disease, not realizing that other factors also contribute, including diseases and behaviors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, consuming high-fat foods, and even genetics.
Treatment with “Bypass Surgery”
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is heart surgery to treat coronary artery disease by creating a new pathway for blood flow to the heart. Patients feel more comfortable, have a better quality of life, and can perform daily activities normally or nearly normally. It also reduces the risk of sudden death.
“Bypass Surgery” procedure
“Heart-Lung Machine” – Helper or Hindrance?
The use of a heart-lung machine has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that when the heart stops beating, the surgeon can easily connect new blood vessels. However, the disadvantages include causing systemic inflammation because all the blood must pass through the machine to be oxygenated before returning to the patient. This process triggers chemical substances that increase inflammation. The machine also affects platelets and blood clotting, which may cause abnormal bleeding after surgery. It impacts lung, kidney, and brain function. Additionally, the chemicals used to stop the heart can affect heart cells, reducing heart recovery and function after surgery.
