Symptoms and Treatment of Blocked Arteries

Blocked coronary arteries or, atherosclerosis, is the build up of plaque in the arteries, Blood flow to the heart is interrupted, and if left untreated can result in death. The heart's duty is to provide blood to the rest of the tissues in the body.

The condition is also known as coronary artery disease or CAD. It is marked by gradual occlusion of the artery that takes place over many years of life. The plaque, containing cholesterol-rich deposits of excess muscle cells, collagen, and proteins, often form cracks to which blood cells and other debris cling to, enabling the development of a blood clot.

Symptoms Of Blocked Arteries:

• Angina pectoris or a severe pain in the chest


• Heart attack, caused by artery blockage


• Pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest


• Shortness of breath and a choking sensation


• Nausea and vomiting


• Excessive sweating


• Cold and pale skin texture

Monitor Regulary:

• High blood pressure.


• Blood cholesterol levels.


• Onset of diabetes.


• Increase in body weight.


• Stress levels.


• Family history of heart disease.


• Treatment for Blocked Arteries

How Is It Diagnosed?

Coronary artery disease or blocked arteries is diagnosed via obtaining a medical history from the patient, a thorough physical examination, ECG, coronary angiography, a chest x-ray and diganostic blood tests. The blood tests analyze cholesterol levels, diabetes, and thyroid hormone.

Treatment:

The treatment of blocked arteries involves education on this life-threatening condition and expected outcomes. Further damage can be prevented with the help of lifestyle changes like stopping smoking, a heart healthy diet plan, and regular exercise.

Medications Typically Include:

• Beta-blockers


• Calcium-channel blockers and nitrates.


• Anti-Thrombolytic drugs

Blood volume and pressure are lessened with the help of diuretics such as Esidrix and Diuril. Medication for blocked arteries also includes ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2, vasodilators, and statins.

Surgical Intervention:

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and angioplasty or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are commonly performed surgical procedures to open clogged arteries. In the case of coronary artery bypass, the chest area is opened and a vein (usually the saphenous vein) from the thigh or lower leg, is used to bypass the blocked area.

With coronary angioplasty (PTCA), a hollow tube or guide catheter is inserted into the left or right groin region, accessing the femoral artery, and threaded into the blocked coronary artery. The balloon is inflated within the blockage and the artery is re-opened. Most often a stent is inserted into the artery to maintain it's patency.

Afterwards, the patient must lie flat for approximately 8 hours to prevent the formation of a hematoma (collection of blood around the site of insertion), which can become a life threatening event.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT