Myocardial ischemia, as a pathophysiological condition, is the insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the heart caused by coronary artery stenosis, spasm or embolism. High-risk groups include patients with diseases such as coronary heart disease and arrhythmia. If it progresses to the stage of ischemic heart disease, according to the severity of coronary heart disease, it can be divided into hidden or asymptomatic coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and sudden death.
The clinical symptoms of myocardial ischemia are discomfort and pain in the precordial area. Severe myocardial ischemia may be accompanied by arrhythmia and cardiac insufficiency, leading to various accompanying symptoms.
For the treatment of myocardial ischemia, the main goal is to improve myocardial blood supply and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, which is usually treated with drugs. For different causes of myocardial ischemia, if the condition is serious, interventional therapy or surgical treatment can be carried out.
The prevention of myocardial ischemia is mainly to avoid the related risk factors of myocardial ischemia such as cold, excessive exercise, etc., improve bad living habits, and actively control the progress of coronary heart disease and related chronic diseases.
Early identification and timely treatment of myocardial ischemia is extremely important, especially when physical examination or electrocardiogram is suspected of myocardial ischemia, when typical symptoms such as chest pain appear, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as dyspnea and disturbance of consciousness, people should go to the hospital immediately.
Myocardial ischemia may be manifested as chest pain, chest tightness, dyspnea, palpitations, fatigue and other symptoms, if these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out cardiovascular disease.
- Chest pain
Myocardial ischemia occurs when the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to a lack of blood supply, causing irritation of nerve fibers that can trigger chest pain. This pain is usually located in the center of the chest, but may also radiate to the shoulder, arm, or jaw.
- Chest tightness
Due to myocardial ischemia, the blood pumping function of the heart is reduced, and the blood circulation in the lungs is blocked, which leads to the symptoms of chest tightness. Chest tightness often manifests as a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty breathing
Myocardial ischemia causes the heart to contract less, reducing the output of the heart, in order to meet the needs of the body will increase the heartbeat rate and deep breathing. When the disease progresses further, pulmonary edema occurs, and the patient may have difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing or phlegm, and in severe cases may lead to suffocation.
- Heart palpitations
Myocardial ischemia can affect the heart's conduction system, leading to irregular heartbeat and causing the sensation of palpitations. Palpitations are often described as a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, which may feel like a strong heartbeat.
- Fatigue
Myocardial ischemia causes the heart to work less efficiently, unable to effectively pump blood around the body, leaving the body in a state of oxygen deprivation, resulting in fatigue.
This fatigue can be persistent and does not relieve even after rest.
For the symptoms of myocardial ischemia, ECG and echocardiography are recommended to evaluate the heart condition.
Treatment includes medications such as aspirin, nitrates, and coronary interventional surgery.
Patients should avoid smoking, control dietary fat intake, maintain moderate exercise, and regularly monitor blood pressure and lipid levels.
