Coronary heart disease: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in Turkey

Risk factors for coronary heart disease

Several factors can increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease:

• Older age: Especially after age 55 for men and 65 for women.
• Family history: Having parents or close relatives who had coronary heart disease at a young age.
• Smoking.
• Arterial hypertension: Damage to the arteries and increased risk of plaque buildup.
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) increase the risk of plaque formation.
• Obesity: increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.
• Chronic stress.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease

Symptoms of coronary artery disease may include:

• Chest pain: This is the most common symptom, often characterized by pressure, burning, or tightness. It usually occurs with exertion or stress and goes away with rest.
• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or climbing stairs.
• Unexplained fatigue.
• Heart palpitations, dizziness, or nausea.

Diagnosis of coronary artery disease

The diagnosis of coronary artery disease is based on several tests, including

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities that may indicate coronary artery disease.
• Stress test: Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure during sustained physical activity. This test can help determine if blood flow to the heart is obstructed.
• Echocardiography: Uses ultrasound to create an image of the heart and its valves. It can help assess heart function and detect damage caused by coronary artery disease.
• Coronary angiography: This is an invasive test that uses x-rays and a dye injected into the coronary arteries to visualize narrowings or blockages.

Treatment of coronary heart disease in Turkey

The treatment of coronary artery disease in Turkey depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's symptoms.

Available treatment options include:

Drug treatment

Several medications may be used to treat coronary artery disease, including

• Aspirin and other antiplatelet agents to prevent blood clots.
• Statins to lower cholesterol
• Beta-blockers, to lower heart rate and blood pressure
• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
• Nitrates to widen the coronary arteries and improve blood flow.

Medical Interventions

If medication doesn't work, interventional procedures may be needed to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. 

Two main procedures are used:

• Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA): During a PTCA, a thin balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the narrowed coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery and, in some cases, a stent is inserted to keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG): CABG is a surgical procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is harvested from another part of the body and grafted to bypass a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.

Preventing coronary heart disease

Coronary artery disease is serious, but it doesn't have to control your life. In addition to medical treatment, important lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk of developing or worsening the disease.

• Quit smoking to improve your heart health.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Getting at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity each day.
• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, etc.
• Working with your doctor to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

By making these changes and working closely with your doctor, you can take control of your heart health and live a healthier life.