Ischemic heart disease is a condition characterized by inadequate myocardial perfusion caused by reduced blood supply or increased myocardial oxygen demand or both. It is most often caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
Ischemic heart disease now afflicts millions of Americans and is the leading cause of death in industrialized nations. It is the most common manifestation of cardiovascular disease.
Ischemia occurs when there is a decreased blood supply to an area of the body. When blood is held back from cells, cell or tissue death (necrosis) occurs. In the normal heart, the oxygen requirements of the myocardium are continuously matched by the coronary arterial supply.
The heart is an aerobic organ, requiring oxidative phosphorylation to provide energy for contraction.
The supply of oxygen to the myocardium depends on the oxygen content of the blood and the rate of coronary blood flow.
Any increase in cardiac workload increases the heart’s need for oxygen.
The symptoms include: chest pain that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, shoulders and back are common. Other symptoms include dyspnea, diaphoresis.
Ischemic heart disease
