Q1. What is coronary artery disease?
Ans. There are various types of heart disease in general population like congenital heart disease e.g. some structural defect in heart by birth commonly known as hole in heart. Rheumatic heart disease usually occurs in young adult commonly known as valvular heart disease. Coronary artery disease is most common in general population. There is narrowing of coronary arteries due to deposition of bad cholesterol. This leads to Angina or Acute myocardial infarction.
Q2. What are the common risk factors for CAD?
Ans. Most common risk factors for coronary artery disease are diabetes, smoking, Hypertension Obesity dyslipidemia, age, sedentary life style and stress. In clinical practice diabetes is common risk factor after 50 yrs of age. Smoking is most dreadful risk factor in younger people.
Q3. I am having chest pain what should I do?
Ans. Commonly asked question what should I do if I am having chest pain? As a rule all chest pains are not cardiac but you rule out cardiac first and then think of after causes. Any severe chest pain associated with sweating or breathlessness you must consult a qualified doctor immediately preferably a nearby hospital having facility of ECG. Chest pain not so intense atypical types here and there you can consult your family doctor
and plan for further evaluation.
Q4. I am scared for angiography?
Ans. Doctor I don’t want angiography- a common apprehension in general public. Now a days angiography is usually done through radial route (hand site) under local anaesthesia. Another important thing that
Angiography is a diagnostic procedure and after that doctor decides that what are the treatment options available.
A COMMON PERCEPTION IS THAT DOCTORS PUT STENT AFTER ANGIOGRAPHY.NORMALLY
STENT IS NECESSARY IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY LIKE ACUTE MI OR ANY ARTERY IS CRITICALLY BLOCKED
Q5. He was so young got heart attack why?
Ans. Now acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is common among young people. Smoking Stress, Sedentary lifestyle are common risk factors. Most of them occurs due to sudden occlusion of coronary artery by thrombus (clot). In clinical practice there are cases when there are no risk factors still patient got heart attack. If immediately proper treatment (angioplasty or thrombolysis) done promptly usually prognosis is good.
Q.6 Can I live normal life after myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
Ans Post myocardial infarction (heart attack) people are very anxious about their future life After Myocardial infarction heart needs certain time to recover its functions. Cardiac rehabilitation Is very important after heart attack, post angioplasty and post CABG. You have to continue your medication and lifestyle measures. After recovery you can live normal life.
Q.7. what test should I do for my heart check up.
Ans. Very common question after in patient mind that what are the tests he should go for heart Check up. Problem become more confusing when to many advised given by diagnostic centers and hospitals consist of battery of tests .Do not get confused all people do not need all the test. It is advise that consult your doctor and asked him specifically that what test are really you need for cardiac check up. Different people need different test for cardiac evaluation. You can’t compare a heart checkup of 30 yrs old young healthy male to 65 yrs old male with
history of PTCA or CABG. This will definitely save your money and time.