If you have had any of the following "events" you have
cardiovascular disease (CVD):
HEART ATTACK OR ANGINA, STROKE OR TIA*,
CORONARY SURGERY OR ANGIOPLASTY.
CVD usually occurs as the result of atherosclerosis. People with
atherosclerosis have cholesterol build-ups, often called atherosclerotic
plaques, on the walls of blood vessels in their heart or brain. These
plaques take a number of years to develop, but as they grow, they
gradually block the flow of blood through the artery.
*TIA = Transient Ischemic Attack
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A CLOSE LOOK AT
ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN CORONARY ARTERIES |
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NORMAL CORONARY ARTERY WITH
NO ATHEROSCLEROSIS. It can carry as much blood as
the heart requires. |
MILD CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS.
The blockage is not yet big enough to cause problems. |
MODERATE CORONARY
ATHEROSCLEROSIS. The artery is narrowed by half. From
now on, the heart is under strain because it is not getting all
the blood it needs. There is also the risk of a blood clot
forming as blood squeezes through the small gap. |
OCCLUSIVE CORONARY
ATHEROSCLEROSIS. The artery is narrowed by 60 to 70%.
The chances of a blood clot forming are high, and the heart will
be having difficulty getting the blood it needs. You may
experience angina (heart pain). |
SEVERE CORONARY
ATHEROSCLEROSIS. INVOLVING 100% OF THE SURFACE OF THE ARTERY.
A blood clot is highly likely, which would stop blood flow
to the heart (a heart attack). |
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Adapted from Pepine CJ. Am J. Cardiol 1998; 82 (Suppl IOA) : 235-275. |
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