Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease is a condition that affects the heart and its ability to pump blood effectively. It occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood over a long period, usually due to narrowing of the coronary arteries. This reduced blood flow can cause symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity. Over time, the heart muscle may weaken, leading to heart failure or irregular heart rhythms. The condition mainly impacts the cardiovascular system and can significantly affect a person's quality of life and physical endurance.
Clinical Definition
Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease is characterized by persistent myocardial ischemia resulting from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, leading to a mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. The core pathology involves coronary artery narrowing or occlusion, which impairs blood flow and causes chronic myocardial hypoxia. This condition often manifests as stable angina pectoris, but can progress to myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, or heart failure. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease process involves endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation, and possible plaque rupture with thrombosis. Chronic ischemia leads to myocardial fibrosis and impaired contractility, contributing to systolic and diastolic dysfunction.