Heart blockage, also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including a significant number in India. It occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, heart attack.

In India, heart blockage is a major health concern, and accounts for approximately 60% of the world’s heart disease burden. Heart blockage is also one of the leading causes of death in the country. The incidence of heart blockage is increasing due to various factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, smoking and stress. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further damage to the heart and improve outcomes. Let's know more about this heart condition.

What is Heart Blockage?

Heart blockage occurs when there is a partial or complete obstruction in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscles with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and heart failure.

Types of Heart Blockage

The different types of heart blockage are listed below:

• First-degree Heart Block: This is the mildest form where the electrical signals between the two chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) are delayed but still reach their destination.
• Second-degree Heart Block: In this type, some electrical signals fail to reach the ventricles, causing skipped beats or irregular rhythms.
• Third-degree Heart Block: Also known as complete heart block, this is the most severe form where none of the electrical signals pass through, resulting in a very slow heartbeat.

Symptoms of Heart Blockage

Some of the common symptoms of heart blockage include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Sweating

Atypical symptoms of heart blockage, that may be seen in women and older adults, include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Back or jaw pain
• Shoulder or arm pain
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness.

If you experience any of these heart blockage symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of Heart Blockage

Causes of heart blockage can be attributed to various factors. Some of which include:

• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts strain on your arteries, increasing the likelihood of blockages.
• High Cholesterol Levels: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to plaque formation in the arteries and subsequent blockages.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels, leading to the accumulation of plaque and narrowing of the arteries.
• Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight, obese and leading a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the development of heart blockage.

Risk Factors Associated with Heart Blockage

Risk factors that may increase your risk of developing heart blockage include:

• Age and Gender: As you age, your risk of developing heart blockage increases. Men are more susceptible to heart blockages at a younger age compared to women.
• Family History: If you have a family history of heart disease, your risk of developing heart blockage is higher.

Diagnosing Heart Blockage

The process of diagnosing heart blockages typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. After the initial assessment, several diagnostic tests and procedures may be used to confirm the diagnosis. These include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This non-invasive test records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify abnormal rhythms and patterns that may indicate heart blockage.
• Echocardiogram (ECHO): This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. It provides information about the structure and function of the heart, including any blockages.
• Stress Test: Also known as an exercise test, this involves monitoring the heart while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps evaluate how well the heart responds to physical activity and can reveal signs of blockage.
• Coronary angiography: This invasive procedure involves injecting contrast dye into the coronary arteries while X-ray images are taken. It provides a detailed map of any blockages or narrowing in the arteries.

Treatment Options for Heart Blockage

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing heart blockage. Here are some recommendations for a healthy lifestyle:

• Healthy Diet: Follow a healthy diet that includes food such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise and physical activity to improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking and avoid tobacco in any form to reduce the risk of further damage to the heart.

2. Medications for Heart Blockage Management

Medications such as aspirin, statins, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to manage heart blockage. These medications help reduce blood clotting, control cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and improve overall heart function.

3. Invasive Procedures and Surgeries

Invasive procedures and surgeries are recommended for severe cases of heart blockage. These include:

• Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery to open it up. A stent is then placed to keep the artery open.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In this surgery, healthy blood vessels are taken from other parts of the body and used to create bypasses around the blocked arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart.

These treatment options are tailored to your specific condition after performing a number of diagnostic tests. 

Prevention of Heart Blockage

To reduce the risk of heart blockage, it is crucial to adopt preventive measures and make healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key preventive measures that can help:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Include heart-healthy foods like green leafy vegetables, lentils, turmeric, garlic, ginger and nuts. Limit the intake of processed foods, unhealthy fats, salt and sugary beverages.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Choose activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing.
• Managing Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Engage in hobbies or activities that bring joy and help in stress management. Seek professional help if experiencing persistent stress or anxiety.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Monitor your weight and maintain optimal body mass index (BMI). Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart blockage. By understanding the signs that indicate a potential blockage, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining your heart health. It is essential to seek immediate medical advice if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms of heart blockage. By being proactive about your heart health and following medical advice, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with heart blockage.

To ensure optimal cardiac health, Explore Heart Health Essentials

FAQs

Q. What is the link between smoking and heart disease?

The nicotine in smoke can hamper the oxygen supply to the heart, increase blood pressure, heart rate and abnormal blood clotting along with irreversible damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels.

Q. Can heart blockage be detected through blood tests?

Heart blockage itself cannot be directly detected through blood tests. However, blood tests can help assess certain markers or risk factors, such as increased C-reactive protein levels and lipid levels, associated with heart blockage.

Q. Is heart blockage hereditary?

While genetics can play a role in the development of heart blockage, it is usually influenced by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Having a family history of heart disease can increase the risk, but adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate it.

Q. How often should I have a heart health check-up?

It is recommended to have regular heart health check-ups as advised by your healthcare provider, especially if you have risk factors or a family history of heart disease. Discuss with your doctor to determine the appropriate frequency of check-ups based on your individual circumstances.

Q. What are the complications of untreated heart blockage?

Untreated heart blockage can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, angina and even sudden cardiac arrest.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.