Atheroma/Atherosclerosis
You can make a big difference with healthy lifestyle changes.
Atheroma refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, connective tissues, and inflammatory cells in the arteries. This build-up is called atherosclerotic plaque. Over time, this abnormal build-up may narrow an artery and restrict or even block the blood flow altogether. In some cases, the pieces of the plaque may break down to produce a blood clot and block the arteries further. This gradual accumulation of plaque may lead to serious health conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.
The development of atheroma in arteries can be considered the initial stage of various heart conditions such as myocardial infarction. If left untreated for a long time, it may progress into severe life-threatening conditions. Our team of excellent and professional cardiologists at Baderia Golden Heart Hospital provide accurate cardiological diagnoses, procedures, and treatments to successfully treat atheromas in the initial stages. This prevents them from transforming into a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of Atheroma
Atheromas may show no symptoms in the early stages. You may not even know the plaque buildup in your arteries until it becomes large and starts restricting the blood flow. The symptoms may vary depending on the type of artery affected. The common symptoms include:
- Persistent chest pain.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Sweating.
- Abdominal pain.
- Pain in the arms, neck, and jaw.
Diagnosis of Atheroma
We at Baderia Golden Heart Hospital have excellent diagnostic facilities which provide accurate cardiological diagnoses. Our state-of-the-art facilities along with the expertise of our doctors provide all-around treatment for patients with coronary artery disease.
Upon visiting our hospital, the doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, study your previous medical history, and review your existing symptoms to take a course of action.
Following this, our doctor will run some additional tests to confirm the condition:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests will be conducted to determine the presence of fats, cholesterol, and other compounds in the blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test will be conducted to evaluate the electrical activity in your heart. This test will show the timing and lengths of your heartbeats which indicates heart failure.
- Echocardiogram: This test produces images of the heart with the help of sound waves. The test shows the size and structure of the heart along with the blood flow.
- Stress test: A stress test will be conducted to measure the health of the heart during activity. During this test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill attached to an ECG machine. This will measure the capacity of your heart and lungs to get oxygen.
- Imaging tests: A series of imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be conducted to study the image of your heart and evaluate heart issues.
- Coronary angiogram: In this test, the doctor will inject a dye into your blood vessels through a catheter. This will make your arteries visible on the X-ray. It will help the doctor in determining any blockage.
Surgery for Atheroma
At Baderia Golden Heart Hospital, our main aim is to offer patients comfort and satisfaction. We curate the most suitable treatment strategy for our patients by studying their condition. Usually, the first line of treatment includes medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is recommended if the medications and lifestyle changes are unable to improve the condition. The doctor may perform the following surgeries depending on your condition:
- Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting:
Also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this procedure, the doctor will open the clogged artery to improve blood flow. The procedure is divided into two parts; angioplasty and stenting.
During angioplasty, the cardiologist will insert a catheter into the blocked artery. A tiny balloon will be inflated to help widen the artery and improve blood flow.
In some cases, a stent (wire mesh tube) may also be placed in the artery. This stent helps in keep the artery open and lowers the risk of narrowing in future.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG):
Also called open-heart surgery. In this procedure, the heart surgeon will take a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body to create a new path for blood flow in the heart. This surgery is usually performed as an emergency procedure to narrow down the blocked arteries.