What does IHD mean in MEDICAL

The most common cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque inside arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries). Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in debris in circulation. When plaque builds up inside an artery, it narrows the passage for blood flow and makes it more difficult for oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle. Other causes of IHD include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, stress, family history and age.

Common risk factors for developing IHD include high levels of low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol; high triglyceride levels; diabetes; hypertension; family history; being overweight or obese; physical inactivity; smoking tobacco products; and aging. Any combination of these factors increases your risk for developing IHD.

Symptoms of IHD vary depending on the severity level but may include chest discomfort or pain (angina), shortness of breath during activity or rest, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea and fatigue with no known cause.

Your doctor may use various tests and exams to diagnose IHD including physical exam and medical history review, echocardiogram (ultrasound imaging test), electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), stress tests/exercise tests/stress ECGs, chest X-ray/CT scan/MRI scan and angiography.

Treatment options depend on an individual's condition but may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity level and making changes to one's diet; medication such as nitrates/beta blockers/calcium channel blockers/ACE inhibitors/diuretics/blood thinners etc.; surgical procedures like coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery; or other methods like electrical stimulation therapy.