Is Myocardial Ischemia a Type of Heart Disease?

Myocardial ischemia is indeed classified as a type of heart disease. The most common condition that leads to myocardial ischemia is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become damaged or diseased. The primary cause of this condition is atherosclerosis — the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This form of heart disease is often referred to as coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease.

Understanding the Development of Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis typically affects major coronary arteries such as the left anterior descending artery, the left circumflex artery, and the right coronary artery. Over time, fatty deposits and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of these arteries, forming plaques. As these plaques grow, they narrow the arterial lumen, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This restriction in blood supply results in myocardial ischemia, which can cause significant cardiovascular symptoms and complications.

Common Symptoms of Myocardial Ischemia

The most notable symptom experienced by patients is chest pain, medically known as angina. This discomfort can feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest. Other associated symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and general uneasiness. These signs often appear during physical activity or emotional stress, when the heart requires more oxygen-rich blood than it is receiving.

Diagnostic Methods for Detecting Myocardial Ischemia

During a routine medical evaluation, myocardial ischemia can often be detected through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may show specific changes indicating reduced blood flow to the heart. To confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition, additional imaging tests are usually recommended. These may include coronary CT angiography (CTA) or invasive coronary angiography. These diagnostic tools help doctors determine the exact location and extent of arterial narrowing, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Significant Arterial Narrowing

When the narrowing of a coronary artery reaches or exceeds 75%, intervention is typically necessary. Alongside standard medical therapy involving medications such as beta-blockers, nitrates, and antiplatelet agents, more advanced treatments may be required. In such cases, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as angioplasty, is often performed. During this procedure, a stent — a small mesh tube — is placed at the site of the most severe blockage. The stent helps to reopen the artery, restore normal blood flow, and alleviate symptoms of ischemia.

By addressing the underlying arterial blockage, stent placement can significantly improve heart function and enhance the patient's quality of life. Therefore, myocardial ischemia is not only a recognized type of heart disease, but also one of the more frequently encountered cardiovascular conditions, especially among older adults and individuals with risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.