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ISCHEMIA CAUSES |
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Ischemia is almost always caused by
blockage of an artery, usually due to atherosclerotic plaque.
Myocardial ischemia is also caused by blood clots (which tend to
form on plaque), artery spasms or contractions, or any of these
factors combined. Silent ischemia is usually caused by emotional or
mental stress or by exertion, but there are no symptoms. Angina is
usually caused by increased oxygen demand when the heart is working
harder than usual, for example, during exercise, or during mental or
physical stress. According to researchers at Harvard University,
physical stress is harder on the heart than mental stress. A TIA is
caused by a blood clot briefly blocking a cerebral artery. Risk factors The risk factors for myocardial ischemia are the same as those for coronary artery disease. For TIA, coronary artery disease is also a risk factor. Heredity. People whose parents have coronary artery disease are more likely to develop it. African-Americans are also at higher risk. Sex. Men are more likely to have heart attacks than women, and to have them at a younger age. Age. Men who are 45 years of age and older and women who are 55 years of age and older are considered to be at risk. Smoking. Smoking increases both the chance of developing coronary artery disease and the chance of dying from it. Second hand smoke may also increase risk. High cholesterol. Risk of developing coronary artery disease increases as blood cholesterol levels increase. When combined with other factors, the risk is even greater. High blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, and with time, weakens it. When combined with obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times. Lack of physical activity. Lack of exercise increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Diabetes mellitus. The risk of developing coronary artery disease is seriously increased for diabetics. Obesity. Excess weight increases the strain on the heart and increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, even if no other risk factors are present. Obesity increases blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and can lead to diabetes. Stress and anger. Some scientists believe that stress and anger can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. Stress increases the heart rate and blood pressure and can injure the lining of the arteries. Angina attacks often occur after anger, as do many heart attacks and strokes. Angina symptoms include: A tight, squeezing, heavy, burning, or choking pain that is usually beneath the breastbone--the pain may spread to the throat, jaw, or one arm A feeling of heaviness or tightness that isn't painful A feeling similar to gas or indigestion Attacks brought on by exertion and relieved by rest. If the pain or discomfort continues or intensifies, immediate medical help should be sought, ideally within 30 minutes. TIA symptoms include: Sudden weakness, tingling, or numbness, usually in one arm or leg or both the arm and leg on the same side of the body, as well as sometimes in the face Sudden loss of coordination Loss of vision or double vision Difficulty speaking Vertigo and loss of balance. |
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