Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is a condition in which the heart muscle does not get enough blood. This is usually caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
It is the leading cause of death in the world, responsible for 17.9 million deaths in 2019.
IHD is the leading cause of death in the world, responsible for 17.9 million deaths in 2019. It is more common in men than women, and the risk increases with age. Other risk factors for IHD include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
The symptoms of IHD can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. In severe cases, IHD can lead to a heart attack.
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Things that can be done to prevent Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD): The World’s Top Deadliest Disease.
These include the following
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for IHD.
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of IHD. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less.
- Controlling blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels. Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg.
- Controlling cholesterol: High cholesterol can also damage your heart and blood vessels. Keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol below 100 mg/dL and your HDL (good) cholesterol above 60 mg/dL.
- Managing diabetes: Diabetes can damage your heart and blood vessels. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
If you have IHD, there are a number of treatments available to help you manage your condition. These include:
- Medication: There are a number of medications that can help to control your risk factors for IHD, such as statins, blood pressure medications, and aspirin.
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, can also help to manage your condition.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open up the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
IHD is a serious condition, but it is important to remember that it is often preventable. By making healthy lifestyle choices and managing your risk factors, you can reduce your chances of developing IHD.
Here are some additional things to know about IHD:
- The symptoms of IHD can be similar to those of other conditions, such as indigestion or anxiety. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
- IHD can be a progressive disease, meaning that the narrowing of the coronary arteries can get worse over time. This can increase your risk of a heart attack.
- There are a number of things that can trigger a heart attack, such as stress, physical exertion, or cold weather. If you have IHD, it is important to be aware of your triggers and to take steps to avoid them.
- A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
If you have IHD, there are a number of things you can do to stay healthy:
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
- See your doctor regularly for checkups and to monitor your condition.
- Be aware of your symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of them.
By following these tips, you can help to manage your IHD and reduce your risk of a heart attack.