Ischaemic cardiopathy refers to changes in the heart caused by reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries.
Depending on the severity and duration of the condition, it can be divided into two groups:
- Acute coronary syndrome, which includes acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina.
- Chronic ischaemic cardiopathy, which includes myocardial infarction of more than 3 months' duration and exertional angina. It also includes patients who have suffered acute processes of ischaemic cardiopathy or who have been diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis.
The most common cause is arteriosclerosis, which blocks the coronary arteries and reduces the supply of oxygenated blood. Contributing factors: male sex, female sex after menopause, family history of ischaemic cardiopathy, higher LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity.
It exists for years without symptoms, and when it does appear, it tends to be in the form of oppressive chest pain, pain in the jaw or arms, and/or breathlessness.
It is diagnosed by a medical history, physical examination, blood tests and an electrocardiogram in the acute phase. A stress test, cardiac catheterisation, ecograph and/or cardiac magnetic resonance may be performed to complete the investigation.
A distinction should be made between acute treatment, which is given when the first symptoms appear, and chronic treatment, which is given for life once the disease has been diagnosed.
Acute treatment includes: complete rest, a quiet environment, sublingual Solinitrina and aspirin if there are no contraindications. If the pain persists despite treatment, urgent coronary catheterisation may be necessary.
Chronic treatment includes: control of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and dietary salt. This will control risk factors: hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes. Immediate smoking cessation. Finally, a lifelong daily drug treatment will be necessary.
It is the most frequent cause of sudden death and death in general in people over 20 years of age. Prevention is essential to reduce its incidence.
Whenever there is sustained chest pain, shortness of breath, new onset arrhythmia or sudden loss of consciousness, it is advisable to call the Emergency Medical System.
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