What is Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)?

Ischemic Heart Disease

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Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a heart disease that is caused by a reduction in blood supply to the heart. The cardiac muscles are solely supplied by the coronary arteries. Blockage of the coronary artery results in the reduced supply of blood to the cardiac muscle. The disease is also referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD). Ischemic heart disease is majorly caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads to the hardening of the lining of the artery and also causes accumulation of fatty lipids, inflammatory cells, and calcium on the walls forming a plaque. The disease is characterized by chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath. These symptoms mostly occur during strenuous activities and improve during rest. A heart attack is usually the first sign of IHD. Other complications that may arise from IHD include cardiac failure. Coronary artery bypass and percutaneous coronary intervention are some of the available treatment options. Regular exercise, as well as a healthy lifestyle and diet, are some of the prevention measures. This paper seeks to explore the history of IHD, socioeconomic status and risk factors for the disease, initiatives undertaken to address the disease, as well as the current status of the disease.

History of IHD

Though the IHD might easily pass as a disease of the modern world, it has afflicted the human race for thousands of years. Evi...