Angioplasty

Coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries that feed the heart as a result of the development of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis). The presence of risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, especially fat around the navel and diabetes causes the formation of atherosclerosis (endothelial dysfunction). If not recognized in time and the necessary measures are not taken, blocked blood vessels can lead to heart attack (myocardial infarction) and fatal rhythm disturbances. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death and labor loss in our country and the world. Genetic predisposition is very important in the development of coronary artery disease, as it is in many diseases, and individuals with a family history of early heart attack are particularly at risk. Irregular and high-fat diets lead to an increase in cholesterol and other harmful blood fats and predispose to the development of atherosclerosis. People who lead stressful lives, do not exercise and choose a sedentary lifestyle are at risk of developing coronary artery disease.

While it may progress for years without any symptoms, new onset of fatigue, chest, back and arm pain that comes with exertion and restricts exertion, and new onset of shortness of breath related to exertion are common symptoms. In addition, the first sign of coronary artery disease can be a sudden heart attack or, in less fortunate patients, sudden death.

If coronary artery disease is suspected, certain tests are ordered by specialists to diagnose the disease. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an absolute must in every patient. This test provides information about the heart’s beating pattern and the presence of a previous heart attack. The fact that it can be taken at the time of the patient’s complaint increases its diagnostic value. An ECG taken in the absence of symptoms may be normal, so a normal ECG does not rule out the presence of coronary artery disease. If necessary, a stress ECG (running test) may be ordered to assess whether blood supply is impaired during exercise. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is a more sensitive, but more expensive and radiation-risk-carrying method than a stress test that evaluates the blood supply to the heart using nuclear medicine methods. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) provides detailed information about the contraction of the heart and the condition of the heart valves. The gold standard in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is undoubtedly coronary angiography.