What are the primary symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. How does IBS affect the digestive system. What factors contribute to the development of IBS. Can psychological factors influence IBS symptoms. How is IBS diagnosed and managed.

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Complex Digestive Disorder

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of IBS remains elusive, making it a subject of ongoing research and debate among medical professionals. This article delves into the intricacies of IBS, exploring its symptoms, potential causes, and impact on those affected.

Recognizing the Hallmark Symptoms of IBS

IBS manifests through a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The primary indicators of this condition include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, often related to bowel movements
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both)
• Bloating
• A sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation
• Presence of whitish mucus in stool

Is there a pattern to IBS symptoms? Indeed, IBS is characterized by its chronic nature, with symptoms often fluctuating over time. Many individuals experience periods of symptom flare-ups followed by periods of remission. For women, these symptoms may intensify during menstruation, highlighting the potential influence of hormonal changes on IBS.

The Brain-Gut Connection: A Key Player in IBS

One of the most intriguing aspects of IBS is its classification as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which points to a disruption in the brain-gut interaction. This connection plays a crucial role in regulating digestive processes and pain perception.

How does the brain-gut axis influence IBS symptoms? The intricate communication between the brain and the digestive system can lead to various manifestations of IBS:

• Altered gut motility, causing food to move too quickly or too slowly through the digestive tract
• Heightened pain sensitivity in the intestines, making normal digestive processes uncomfortable
• Disrupted signaling between the brain and gut, potentially exacerbating symptoms

Exploring the Multifactorial Causes of IBS

While the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development:

Psychological Factors and Stress

The psychological component of IBS cannot be overstated. Studies have consistently shown a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among individuals with IBS. But does stress cause IBS, or does IBS cause stress? The relationship appears to be bidirectional, with psychological distress potentially triggering or exacerbating IBS symptoms, and the chronic nature of IBS contributing to increased stress and anxiety.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility highlighted the higher levels of depression and anxiety in IBS patients compared to the general population. Furthermore, childhood trauma has been linked to an increased risk of developing IBS in adulthood, suggesting that early life experiences may play a role in the disorder’s onset.

The Role of Gut Microbiota

The human digestive tract is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. These tiny inhabitants play crucial roles in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Disruptions to the delicate balance of gut bacteria have been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS.

Can changes in gut bacteria cause IBS symptoms? Research suggests that alterations in the composition or function of gut microbiota may contribute to IBS symptoms. Factors that can disrupt the gut microbiome include:

• Antibiotic use
• Infections
• Dietary changes
• Stress

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), characterized by an excessive number of bacteria in the small intestine, has been observed in some IBS patients. This overgrowth may contribute to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits.

Genetic Predisposition and IBS: Unraveling the Hereditary Link

While IBS is not a purely genetic disorder, research suggests that there may be a hereditary component to its development. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of IBS are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

What genetic factors might contribute to IBS? Several genes have been identified as potentially playing a role in IBS susceptibility:

• Genes involved in serotonin signaling
• Genes related to immune function
• Genes associated with gut motility and sensation

However, it’s important to note that having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of IBS. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices likely interact with genetic susceptibility to influence the onset and severity of symptoms.

The Impact of Diet and Food Intolerances on IBS

Diet plays a significant role in managing IBS symptoms for many individuals. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for IBS, certain foods have been identified as common triggers:

• High-fat foods
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Dairy products (especially in lactose-intolerant individuals)
• Certain carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)

Can eliminating certain foods alleviate IBS symptoms? Many patients find relief by identifying and avoiding their personal trigger foods. The low FODMAP diet, which involves temporarily eliminating and then gradually reintroducing certain carbohydrates, has shown promise in managing IBS symptoms for some individuals.

Food Intolerances and Sensitivities

While true food allergies are rare in IBS, food intolerances or sensitivities are common. These reactions can cause digestive symptoms similar to those experienced in IBS. Common culprits include:

• Lactose (milk sugar)
• Gluten
• Fructose (fruit sugar)
• Artificial sweeteners

Identifying and managing food intolerances can be an essential step in controlling IBS symptoms for many patients.

The Role of Infections in Triggering IBS

In some cases, IBS symptoms may develop following a gastrointestinal infection, a phenomenon known as post-infectious IBS. This type of IBS typically occurs after an episode of acute gastroenteritis caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

How can an infection lead to long-term IBS symptoms? Several mechanisms have been proposed:

• Persistent low-grade inflammation in the gut
• Alterations in gut microbiota composition
• Changes in gut motility and sensitivity
• Activation of the immune system

While most individuals recover fully from gastrointestinal infections, a subset may go on to develop chronic IBS symptoms. Factors that may increase the risk of post-infectious IBS include the severity of the initial infection, psychological stress during or after the infection, and genetic predisposition.

Diagnosing IBS: A Process of Elimination

Diagnosing IBS can be challenging due to the lack of specific biological markers for the condition. Instead, diagnosis typically relies on a combination of symptom assessment and exclusion of other gastrointestinal disorders.

What criteria are used to diagnose IBS? The Rome IV criteria, the most recent diagnostic guidelines for functional gastrointestinal disorders, define IBS as recurrent abdominal pain associated with two or more of the following:

• Related to defecation
• Associated with a change in stool frequency
• Associated with a change in stool form or appearance

These symptoms should occur at least once a week for the past three months, with symptom onset at least six months prior to diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

While there is no specific test for IBS, healthcare providers may recommend various diagnostic procedures to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms:

• Blood tests to check for celiac disease, inflammatory markers, and other abnormalities
• Stool tests to rule out infections or inflammatory bowel disease
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to visualize the colon and rule out structural abnormalities
• Breath tests to detect lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

It’s important to note that these tests are primarily used to exclude other conditions rather than to definitively diagnose IBS.

Managing IBS: A Multifaceted Approach

Given the complex nature of IBS and its varied manifestations, management typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to each individual’s symptoms and triggers.

Dietary Modifications

Dietary changes often form the cornerstone of IBS management. This may include:

• Identifying and avoiding trigger foods
• Following a low FODMAP diet under the guidance of a dietitian
• Increasing fiber intake gradually to manage constipation
• Staying well-hydrated
• Eating regular, balanced meals

Stress Management and Psychological Therapies

Given the strong brain-gut connection in IBS, addressing psychological factors can be crucial. Effective strategies may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Regular exercise

Medications

While there is no cure for IBS, various medications can help manage specific symptoms:

• Antispasmodics to relieve abdominal pain and cramping
• Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation
• Anti-diarrheal medications
• Low-dose antidepressants to modulate pain perception and gut motility
• Probiotics to support gut health

The choice of medication depends on the predominant symptoms and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Living with IBS: Coping Strategies and Support

While IBS can be challenging to live with, many individuals successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Key strategies include:

• Educating oneself about the condition
• Keeping a symptom diary to identify triggers and patterns
• Developing a strong support network, including healthcare providers, family, and friends
• Joining support groups or online communities to connect with others living with IBS
• Practicing self-care and stress management techniques

Is it possible to lead a normal life with IBS? While IBS can be disruptive, many individuals find that with proper management and support, they can effectively control their symptoms and maintain their daily activities and relationships.

The Future of IBS Research and Treatment

As our understanding of IBS continues to evolve, new avenues for research and treatment are emerging. Some promising areas of investigation include:

• Microbiome-based therapies, including targeted probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation
• Novel pharmacological agents targeting specific aspects of gut function and pain perception
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and microbial profiles
• Advanced imaging techniques to better understand brain-gut interactions
• Integrative approaches combining conventional and complementary therapies

What can we expect in the future of IBS treatment? While a cure for IBS remains elusive, ongoing research holds promise for more effective and targeted therapies. As we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and physiological factors in IBS, we move closer to developing more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

In conclusion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome remains a challenging and multifaceted disorder, affecting millions worldwide. While its exact causes are still not fully understood, ongoing research continues to shed light on the complex interactions between the brain, gut, and various environmental factors that contribute to its development and progression. By understanding the potential causes and triggers of IBS, individuals can work with their healthcare providers to develop effective management strategies, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Symptoms & Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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What are the symptoms of IBS?

The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are pain in your abdomen, often related to your bowel movements, and changes in your bowel movements. These changes may be diarrhea, constipation, or both, depending on what type of IBS you have.

Other symptoms of IBS may include

• bloating
• the feeling that you haven’t finished a bowel movement
• whitish mucus in your stool

Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their periods.

IBS can be painful but doesn’t lead to other health problems or damage your digestive tract.

To diagnose IBS, you doctor will look for a certain pattern in your symptoms over time. IBS is a chronic disorder, meaning it lasts a long time, often years. However, the symptoms may come and go.

What causes IBS?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS. Experts think that a combination of problems may lead to IBS. Different factors may cause IBS in different people.

Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as IBS are problems with brain-gut interaction—how your brain and gut work together. Experts think that problems with brain-gut interaction may affect how your body works and cause IBS symptoms. For example, in some people with IBS, food may move too slowly or too quickly through the digestive tract, causing changes in bowel movements. Some people with IBS may feel pain when a normal amount of gas or stool is in the gut.

Certain problems are more common in people with IBS. Experts think these problems may play a role in causing IBS. These problems include

• stressful or difficult early life events, such as physical or sexual abuse
• certain mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder
• bacterial infections in your digestive tract
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an increase in the number or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine
• food intolerances or sensitivities, in which certain foods cause digestive symptoms

Research suggests that genes may make some people more likely to develop IBS.

Last Reviewed November 2017

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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

The NIDDK would like to thank:
Lin Chang, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles

What’s causing your IBS – Harvard Health

While the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is unknown, studies have suggested that IBS might be related to a few specific changes in the body. Some symptoms may be caused by spasms, uncontrolled contractions in the muscles of the colon. The nerve endings in the intestines also may become unusually sensitive, magnifying pain. The reasons for these changes are not always known, but factors that have been linked with IBS include bacterial overgrowth, use of antibiotics, and stress, among others.

Psychological factors. The brain and gut are intimately connected. Your thoughts and emotions can trigger symptoms in the gut, and the health of your gut can shape your mental well-being. Stress can cause more contractions in the intestines and increase sensitivity. It’s not clear whether stress or other psychological factors may be a cause of IBS or vice versa. However, we do know that people with IBS often have higher levels of stress and anxiety and that this distress also can make IBS symptoms worse. A 2017 study in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that people with IBS have higher levels of depression and anxiety compared with those who don’t have the disorder. IBS also is more common among people who experienced psychological trauma as children.

Antibiotics. The human digestive tract contains trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi known collectively as the gut microbiota or gut flora. These microorganisms play several critical roles in our health, including digestion and immune system function. When we take antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, the drugs also kill helpful bacteria in the gut. Repeated treatments or long-term use of antibiotics may alter the gut flora in a way that disrupts the colon’s normal function. Some animal and human research suggests that this disruption may lead to IBS in some cases. However, studies have not had consistent results, so more research is needed.

Bacterial overgrowth. Some people with IBS also have a surplus of bacteria in the small intestines, a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It’s unclear whether SIBO can be a cause of IBS, but people with IBS are more likely than others to test positive for SIBO. In addition, some research has found that IBS symptoms often decrease after antibiotic treatment that focuses on bacteria in the small intestine.

SIBO occurs when extra bacteria in the colon back up into the small intestine. In this situation, people often have symptoms typical of IBS such as bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Estimates vary about how many people diagnosed with IBS also have SIBO, but research in the March 2017 issue of Gut and Liver suggested it may be between 19% and 37%. Most studies diagnose SIBO with a breath test that measures gases released by the body’s breakdown of sugars such as glucose and lactulose. There is a debate, however, about the reliability of the test results.

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causes, symptoms and treatment at the FSCC FMBA

General description

Ischemic heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to experts, in 2030 more than 23 million people will die from CVD.

Coronary artery disease (CHD) is a disease caused by insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart (myocardium), which occurs due to impaired blood supply to the myocardium due to damage to the coronary arteries. Clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease are diverse: from acute manifestations in the form of myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death to long-term chronic diseases – angina pectoris (periodic retrosternal pain), postinfarction cardiosclerosis, chronic heart failure.

Causes

IHD occurs as a result of atherosclerosis of large (epicardial) coronary (cardiac) arteries of varying degrees: from a slight narrowing of the lumen in the vessel to its complete blockage by atheromic (cholesterol, fatty) masses or a thrombus that has developed at the site of a “vulnerable” (damaged) atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) . Other causes of coronary artery disease are spasm of the coronary arteries and damage to the microvasculature in the myocardium. In most cases, they also develop against the background of existing atherosclerosis.

It is possible to identify the most susceptible to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) groups of the population: people suffering from high blood pressure; addicted to smoking; suffering from high cholesterol; diabetes mellitus; with chronic kidney disease. Male sex and advanced age are also powerful risk factors for developing coronary artery disease.

Symptoms of coronary heart disease

The main, but far from the only symptom of coronary artery disease is pressing or squeezing pain behind the sternum or in the region of the heart. In chronic coronary artery disease, pain occurs initially during exercise and causes a gradual decrease in its tolerance. In the acute form of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction or a pre-infarction state (unstable angina pectoris) develops.

During an attack of coronary artery disease, the patient may also feel:

• pain or burning in the chest, under the shoulder blade, in the back, in the upper abdomen;
• feeling of heaviness in the chest;
• sensation of uneven heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, palpitations;
• feeling of sinking heart;
• shortness of breath;
• weakness;
• nausea;
• dizziness and fainting;
• sweating.

The discomfort may disappear or disappear completely after the completion of physical activity. With myocardial infarction or with unstable angina, the connection between complaints and physical activity is lost, and complaints can develop at rest and last for a long time (tens of minutes, hours). Usually, all of the above symptoms do not appear at the same time. In various forms of coronary heart disease, a certain feeling of discomfort dominates.

If you notice such sensations in yourself, contact your cardiologist as soon as possible. If chest pain or other symptoms described above do not disappear within 10 minutes at rest, call the ambulance team. IHD progression can develop slowly over years. At the same time, in some patients, coronary disease is asymptomatic or with erased or atypical symptoms.

To prevent disturbances in the work of the heart or the development of severe forms of coronary artery disease, undergo a comprehensive examination of the heart at our center of the Federal Research and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency. Running coronary disease is very dangerous! At a later stage, it can lead to a fatal heart attack or severe heart failure with severe disability.

IHD diagnostics

Diagnosis of coronary artery disease is carried out by cardiologists in several stages. When questioning the patient, complaints are clarified, symptoms that may be characteristic of coronary heart disease are clarified. Examination of the patient helps to note visual changes – swelling and discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), listening to the heart reveals murmurs, rhythm disturbance.

Next, the patient passes laboratory tests for certain indicators in the blood, which may indicate a pathology. Also important is the standard biochemical analysis, as well as the determination of glucose and cholesterol levels.

But the most accurate method for diagnosing coronary disease is instrumental:

• ECG;
• ultrasound of the heart;
• stress tests with exercise or drug stimulation of the heart;
• Holter ECG monitoring;
• angiography of the coronary arteries (coronary angiography).

Timely examination helps to avoid serious consequences and the development of an irreversible form of coronary heart disease. Give your health a few hours, because this time will help preserve the quality of life in the future.

Prevention of coronary heart disease

Prevention of CVD is much easier than cure. To maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels, it is necessary to eliminate risk factors that negatively affect your health:

• Smoking cessation;
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Normalization of the level of “bad” cholesterol (low density lipoprotein)
• Combating stress and depression
• Minimizing alcohol intake;
• Refusal of smoked, fatty, fried and salty foods.

Give more time to an active lifestyle: moderate physical activity, therapeutic exercises, morning exercises, walking, swimming, dancing. Physical activity will help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and maintain normal weight, if necessary, reduce it.

The most important thing in the prevention of coronary artery disease is timely observation by a specialist. In order not to visit medical institutions several times to pass all the necessary tests and undergo research, contact our cardiology center. FSCC FMBA offers patients several programs for a comprehensive study of the heart. You can get acquainted with them here.

IHD treatment

When IHD is detected, the cardiologist determines the treatment model. Our clinic can offer you:

• drug therapy for coronary artery disease – a complex of modern medicines is prescribed, which allows you to control the symptoms and significantly improve the prognosis of the disease. The main drugs for the treatment of coronary artery disease are: antiplatelet agents (reduce the likelihood of blood clots in the coronary arteries), B-blockers, nitrates, calcium antagonists, enzyme inhibitors / angiotensin II receptor blockers (allow to prevent the development of pain, shortness of breath, edema) and statins (allow to reduce and control cholesterol). Treatment of coronary disease can take place on an outpatient basis or in the cardiology department of our center. When drug therapy for coronary artery disease does not help, they seek advice from a cardiac surgeon who will apply the following treatment methods:

  • surgical intervention aimed at myocardial revascularization (restoration of normal blood flow to the heart muscle):
  • stenting of affected arteries of the heart – intravascular surgery. Under local anesthesia, a catheter is inserted through the radial (on the forearm) or less often through the femoral (in the groin) artery, through which a special device is passed into the arteries of the heart. A special metal frame construction coated with drugs that suppress inflammation at the site of intervention is installed with the help of a balloon in the place of narrowing of the vessel. The balloon expands, as a result of which the stent presses the cholesterol plaque against the walls of the vessel and restores its patency;
  • coronary artery bypass surgery is an open heart surgery, the purpose of which is to restore a full blood supply. It is carried out by bypassing the place of narrowing of the vessel with the help of shunts (vascular prostheses), which redirect blood flow from the clogged areas of the arteries to healthy ones. The most commonly used coronary bypass grafts are the patient’s own arteries and veins. At the same time, arterial bypasses have a significant advantage in terms of long-term improvement in prognosis and pain relief as a result of surgery. In our Department of Cardiac Surgery, the operation is performed both with the help of cardiopulmonary bypass, and without (off pump).

The FSCC FMBA Cardiology Center is one of the few that performs coronary bypass surgery using mini-thoractomy. This method of surgery significantly speeds up postoperative rehabilitation and has no significant restrictions on physical activity within three months after the operation.

Our center employs highly qualified specialists who have confirmed their experience at the international level. Many years of experience and high-tech equipment allow us to achieve excellent results in surgical procedures.

In their daily practice, our doctors use the latest achievements of medical science and the most advanced medical technologies. Offering treatment to patients with coronary artery disease, our cardiologists, angiosurgeons and cardiac surgeons are always looking for the most effective, less traumatic and most appropriate way for each individual patient to carry it out.

It is important for us not only to save you from suffering, but also to ensure a long and comfortable life.

With care for you and your heart!

This article is an informational material and is not intended for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. If signs of discomfort appear, you should contact your doctor.

Ischemic heart disease: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment by an experienced cardiologist

Ischemic heart disease is a serious disease that is on the list of the most common causes of death. IHD is especially common in developed countries, where people lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not adhere to a healthy diet. Almost half of all deaths caused by diseases of the heart and blood vessels are due to this pathology. Such statistics make doctors and patients pay more attention to the treatment and prevention of this disease.

What is IHD

Ischemic heart disease is a myocardial pathology that develops against the background of a reduction or cessation of arterial blood flow to the heart tissue. This disease can be acute or chronic, and the main causes leading to cardiac ischemia are associated with pathological processes occurring in the coronary arteries. In the first stages, the disease develops almost asymptomatically, so preventive examinations by specialists and attention to one’s own health are of great importance. It is convenient to do this with the help of check-up programs – a comprehensive health examination. In one day, with the help of express programs developed by MEDSI together with the world’s leading diagnostic centers, the patient can go through a check-up and receive a “Health Passport” – a detailed summary with doctors’ conclusions and the results of tests and examinations.

Causes and risk factors for CHD

There are three main causes of the development of the disease:

• Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Pathology consists in the formation of plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels, which can either slightly narrow the lumen of the artery or completely block it
• Thromboembolism. It is a blockage of an artery by a suddenly detached thrombus, as a result of which the blood stops flowing to the heart muscle
• Spasm of the coronary arteries. Sudden spasm occurs in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease

Basically, clinical cases of coronary artery disease are associated with atherosclerosis. But regardless of the cause, the following factors contribute to the onset of the disease:

• Hyperlipidemia. An increase in cholesterol levels by 2-5 times increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis and, as a result, heart ischemia
• Arterial hypertension. Patients with a systolic pressure of 180 mm. rt. Art. and more have an increased risk of disease compared to people with normal blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus. This disease also belongs to the factors provoking the occurrence of coronary disease, and contributes to an increase in risk by 2-4 times
• Sedentary lifestyle. Low physical activity increases the risk of developing this cardiac pathology for a person by three times. If you are overweight, this risk increases even more
• Tobacco addiction. Smoking worsens the condition of blood vessels and increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, which is 1.5-6 times higher in smokers compared to those who do not have this habit

Additional factors influencing the onset of the disease are heredity, old age and male gender. The more factors relevant for one person, the more likely he is to develop cardiac ischemia, and the higher his personal risk.

Classification of coronary heart disease

To classify the disease, cardiologists use WHO recommendations and set the form according to the following systematization:

• Sudden coronary death. A condition that develops suddenly and cannot be predicted
• Angina. This form is divided into main subforms, which differ in symptoms and prognosis of further development
• Myocardial infarction. Acute condition that can lead to cardiac arrest
• Asymptomatic form of myocardial ischemia. Temporary dysfunction of the heart, which may not be accompanied by pain or shortness of breath
• Cardiac rhythm and conduction disorders. Caused by violations of the main functions of the myocardium
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy. Pathological condition of the myocardium resulting from insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle
• Heart failure. Characterized by the inability of the heart to fully pump blood

Symptoms of coronary heart disease

Most often, in the early stages of development, the pathology goes unnoticed by the patient or gives mild symptoms, to which the person pays little attention. However, shortness of breath, palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances will definitely be recorded during preventive examinations by a cardiologist and a general practitioner.

The first signs of the development of ischemia of the heart include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Arrhythmia
• Pressure rise or surge
• Pressing pain behind the sternum
• Myocardial infarction
• Severe heart pain

If, according to the results of the tests, the level of sugar or cholesterol in the blood is elevated, this deviation cannot be ignored, since it can serve as a sign of narrowing of the coronary vessels. For a person who does not have risk factors for this disease, myocardial ischemia is also not excluded.

Complications of ischemic heart disease

As pathological changes develop in the heart muscle, disorders occur that cause complications of this disease.

• Myocardial dysfunction
• The development of cardiosclerosis, in which the number of myocardial cells is reduced and replaced by connective tissue
• Violation of energy metabolism in myocardial cells
• Transient disorders of contractility of the left ventricle of the heart

All these changes impair coronary circulation and lead to the development of heart failure. At the same time, the ability of the myocardium to contract is weakened, and the heart cannot fully meet the needs of the body in pumping blood. The person feels weakness, fatigue. The risk of death increases.

Diagnosis of coronary heart disease

To establish a diagnosis, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are required:

• Blood pressure measurement. The patient leads a normal life, and a special device measures and records blood pressure at a certain frequency
• Electrocardiogram. Removed at rest, and can also be removed for a day or more
• Blood and urine test
• Ultrasound of the heart. This method allows you to assess the condition of the heart muscle
• Load test. The patient is offered to pedal an exercise bike or get some other physical activity, and at the same time measure the performance of the heart muscle
• Coronary angiography. To date, this is the most accurate diagnostic method, in which a contrast agent is injected into the patient’s blood and an X-ray image is taken

These and other studies will help the doctor obtain information about the state of the heart and blood vessels and prescribe effective therapy.

Treatment of coronary heart disease

Treatment of IHD has its own characteristics. First of all, the doctor will recommend adjusting the lifestyle, the important components of which should be the following points:

• More traffic. Regular physical activity should become the norm. Cardio loads are useful – swimming, walking, gymnastics, exercises on simulators. The intensity of the exercise should be agreed with your doctor
• Dieting. Fatty and salty foods should be excluded from the menu, but the number of vegetables, fish, fruits, herbs, grains should be increased
• Drinking mode. A doctor may recommend reducing water intake to 1.2 liters per day to reduce the workload of the heart in heart failure
• Psychological peace. It is important to avoid stress, nervous tension, maintain your emotional health

In relation to such a disease as coronary heart disease, diagnosis, treatment should be carried out urgently and comprehensively. Healthy habits alone are not enough to cope with the disease. Treatment of chronic coronary heart disease, according to modern protocols, may include taking the following medications.

• Antiplatelet agents. These drugs reduce the viscosity of the blood, making it easier for the heart to pump
• Anti-ischemic drugs. Medicines of this group improve the access of oxygen to the heart muscle
• Beta blockers. The task of these drugs is to relieve heart pain, dilate blood vessels, reduce heartbeat
• Calcium antagonists. Reduce heart rate, prevent the penetration of calcium into the muscle tissue of the heart and blood vessels
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs. Positive effect on lipid metabolism
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. This group of drugs helps to reduce blood pressure

With a diagnosis of coronary heart disease, treatment may also include antiarrhythmic drugs that help normalize the heart rhythm, and diuretics – drugs that remove excess fluid from the body.

If drug therapy is not effective, and the patient has major coronary artery disease, or multiple coronary artery disease, or conditions such as diabetes, angioplasty may be necessary. This is a minimally invasive operation, during which a stent is inserted into a narrowed vessel – a metal tube made of wire cells. The stent expands the narrowed lumen of the vessel and maintains normal conditions for blood flow.

Prognosis and prevention of coronary heart disease

Unfortunately, even with complex therapy it is impossible to completely remove the diagnosis of coronary artery disease – the patient will need treatment for almost a lifetime. However, modern methods of treatment will improve the condition of a person and his quality of life.

The most effective prevention of the development of coronary heart disease is to minimize the factors that provoke this disease. Threat factors can be reduced by following simple rules.

• Quit smoking. This is a bad habit that worsens the condition of the vessels
• Avoid or minimize the amount of alcoholic beverages in your diet. The maximum allowable dose of alcohol is 20 g of alcohol per day for women, 30 g for men
• Cope with stress. It is important to master the methods of psychological relief
• Maintain normal body weight
• Move more. Mandatory daily physical activity – swimming, walking, running, cycling, skiing and much more
• Monitor blood pressure. To do this, it is useful to know your age norms and keep a pressure diary in case of deviation from the norm
• Control blood cholesterol levels
• Eat right. The basis of the diet should be foods high in fiber – vegetables, fruits, herbs, healthy carbohydrates

Advantages of the procedure at MEDSI

MEDSI clinics offer IHD treatment according to modern medical protocols. Our patients receive a number of significant benefits by contacting MEDSI:

• Assistance from qualified cardiologists.