Coronary heart disease, also known as atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is caused due to the buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances within the arteries that deliver oxygen to the heart muscles. This buildup blocks the arteries, causing their walls to narrow down.
There are many risk factors related to coronary heart disease, which are either controllable or non-controllable with medical intervention.
| ✅ Controllable Factors | ❌ Non-Controllable Factors |
|---|---|
The factors that can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medications include: |
The factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cannot be controlled by any means include: |
In the case of mild fat or cholesterol build-up, you may feel pressure or tightness in the chest at times of increased activity or stress. If the buildup is significant, the blood supply to the heart muscle is severely reduced, causing symptoms such as:
Poona Preventive Cardiology Centre offers comprehensive treatment for coronary heart disease. The doctors undertake thorough physical tests to assess the risk factors and current symptoms. Additional tests that make the diagnosis more accurate include:
To check the electrolyte levels, blood cells, clotting factors, and hormones in the blood. Proteins and specific enzymes are also tested as they can indicate certain problems within the heart.
Records the electrical activity of the heart when it is at rest using electrodes placed on the arms, legs, and chest. Shows changes that indicate inefficiency of the heart muscles in receiving enough oxygen.
Designed to assess the heart's response to exercise and stress. It involves walking on a treadmill or riding an exercise bike for up to 12 minutes while ECG and blood pressure are recorded. It helps detect symptoms like shortness of breath and chest, jaw, or arm pain. Our doctor and ECG technician monitor the entire test.
Uses ultrasound waves to display heart movements. Helps measure heart dimensions, examine valves, and assess muscle damage.
Also called "stress echo." Medications are administered through a drip while the echocardiogram is performed, stimulating the heart to mimic exercise. Mostly used for people unable to exercise due to medical reasons.
Our other diagnostic techniques and treatments include:
At PPCC, we incorporate Preventive Cardiology methods with modern medical treatments to offer personalized and best-suited atherosclerosis treatments to our patients. The highly advanced alternative heart blockage treatments that we offer at our clinic are:
