Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is the term used to describe the narrowing of heart arteries. Once the arteries are narrowed, there will be less blood and oxygen that will reach the heart muscle, which will lead to ischemic heart failure or heart attack.

The doctor will be able to diagnose ischemic heart disease by reviewing the patient's complete medical history and to check the family history for any close relatives who have had heart problems. A physical exam is important, and with the use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) they will look for any abnormalities that are caused by the disease. A blood test is important as well, to check abnormal levels of certain enzymes in the blood that have triggered the disease. Once the disease has been diagnosed then a treatment plan is designed. This includes medication and lifestyle changes. One must need to quit smoking, follow a restricted low fat diet, and perform regular moderate exercise to name a few, in order to prevent ischemic heart failure. These however, will not necessarily lessen the deposits that are causing the blockage in the arteries