What is Coronary Artery Disease
(Heart Blood Vessel Disease)?
The heart’s blood vessels (coronary arteries) supply oxygen-rich blood
to the heart muscle. When fat, cholesterol, or calcium builds up inside these
arteries, they become narrow or blocked, obstructing blood flow. This condition
is known as Coronary
Artery Disease (CAD).
It is one of the leading causes of heart disease, heart attacks, and heart
failure.
The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body. It continuously
pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The coronary
arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle itself. When
these arteries become clogged with fat, cholesterol, or other substances, blood
flow is reduced or stopped, leading to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) — one
of the most common heart diseases worldwide.
Major heart vessel diseases include Coronary Artery Disease, Angina, Heart
Attack, Atherosclerosis, and Heart Failure. In CAD, fatty deposits called plaque
build up inside the artery walls, causing narrowing. In Angina,
chest pain or pressure occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced. A Heart Attack
happens when a coronary artery is completely blocked, damaging part of the
heart muscle. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to harden and
restrict blood flow, which may lead to Heart Failure over time.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Common symptoms include chest pain or burning sensation, shortness of
breath, dizziness, sweating, and pain spreading to the left arm, neck, or jaw.
Ignoring these symptoms can make the disease worse. In many cases, the pain
lessens with rest, and ECG results may appear normal when there is no chest
pain. People with long-term diabetes often do not feel typical angina pain.
When a rupture occurs in the inner layer of a blood vessel, blood can clot
rapidly at the site, completely blocking blood flow — this is known as a Heart Attack.
Symptoms include severe chest pain, sweating, low blood pressure, and an
immediate risk to life. The pain may also spread to the neck, jaw, left arm, or
back. Some people experience it as extreme chest pressure or shortness of
breath. Unlike angina, heart attack pain does not go away with rest.
Many factors increase the risk of heart disease — such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of physical
activity, and stress. Controlling these risk factors can significantly reduce
the chance of developing heart disease.
How Coronary Artery Disease is Diagnosed
To diagnose CAD, tests such as ECG (Electrocardiogram), Echocardiogram, and ETT
(Exercise Treadmill Test) are performed. The most accurate and
reliable test is the Coronary Angiogram, which uses imaging to identify which
arteries are blocked, and the exact location and severity of the blockage.
Based on the results, treatment may include medications, stent placement, or bypass surgery.
Treatment and Remedies
Treatment of heart diseases begins with lifestyle modification.
Smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided. Daily exercise, a balanced
and low-fat diet, stress management, and adequate sleep are crucial. Medicines
prescribed by doctors should be taken regularly. Common medications include
those that control blood pressure and cholesterol, keep the blood thin (like
aspirin), and help maintain heart function.
Medical and Surgical Treatments
Many patients fear bypass surgery, but modern cardiac surgery in Bangladesh
has advanced significantly. Each year, around 10,000 heart surgeries are
performed in the country, though the number is still below the total demand.
Using modern techniques, bypass surgeries are now performed with LIMA-RIMA
or LIMA-RADIAL
grafts — arteries taken from within the chest — helping patients stay healthier
for the long term.
Additionally, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery is now being
successfully performed in Bangladesh. This method involves making small
incisions on one side of the chest instead of a large opening, though it’s not
suitable for all patients. The Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH)
method is also used — where veins are collected through two or three small
holes in the leg, minimizing large cuts and scarring.
When arteries are severely narrowed, modern procedures such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, or pacemaker implantation
are performed to restore blood flow and maintain proper heart function.
Prevention of Heart Blood Vessel Diseases
Regular health checkups are essential to prevent heart disease. Blood
pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol must be kept under control. Eating less
salt and fatty foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining mental well-being
are key to keeping the heart healthy for a long time.
Heart blood vessel problems can disrupt blood circulation and are one of the
leading causes of death globally. According to Dr. Mohammad Rafiur Rahman,
coronary artery problems and their treatment are among the most important
issues in cardiac health. The World Health Organization (WHO)
reports that around 20 million people die each year from cardiovascular
diseases — roughly one-third of all global deaths. Most of these deaths result
from Coronary
Artery Disease or heart attacks, making CAD the single largest
cause of death worldwide.
Conclusion
Heart disease develops gradually, but with timely awareness and proper treatment,
most cases can be controlled. A healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to
keep the heart strong and disease-free.
In summary, though heart disease is serious, it is largely preventable. Through timely awareness, a balanced lifestyle, and following medical advice, most heart conditions can be managed effectively. For your own health and that of your family, start taking care of your heart today.
