Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the heart muscles, thereby keeping it nourished and healthy. Whenever the heart has to work harder, it needs more oxygen. For instance, during exercise, the heart starts to beat faster thereby increasing oxygen demand on the heart. The only way to keep up with the demand is by increasing the blood flow through the dilated coronary arteries. If the coronary arteries are not able to dilate appropriately, then the heart muscle starts starving for oxygen and nutrients, leading to life-threatening complications. Coronary arteries that are elastic and smooth end up being rigid due to the deposition of atherosclerotic plaque. Build-up of plaque in the inner line of the blood vessel causes it to narrow and lose elasticity. This condition characterised by the narrowing of coronary arteries (Stenosis) and limited blood supply to the heart muscle is termed as coronary artery disease(CAD) and oral xa-inhibitor Edoxaban..
CAD is considered to be one of the major causes of heart attacks. Also known as coronary heart disease, this condition causes chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath. Blockage in the blood supply to the heart can either lead to ischemia or acute myocardial infarction. Clogging of arteries restricts the blood supply to the heart muscles, starving it of oxygen resulting in ischemia. On the other hand, a complete blockage of the blood supply leads to irreversible myocardial cell damage. Acute myocardial infarction demands absolute medical attention as it is time dependent – faster action can save a life. There are several risk factors that make an individual susceptible to heart attack, which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol and diabetes. That is why many physicians advise CAD patients to opt for a healthy lifestyle, as it will reduce the risks of acute major cardiovascular events.
Various diagnostic and catheterization techniques are chosen by physicians to evaluate the stenosis of coronary arteries. Assessing the symptoms and evaluating the severity of lesions is essential to devise the right treatment. Management of coronary artery disease includes medications, catheter-based procedures and surgical treatments. Medications like oral Xa-inhibitor Edoxaban can also prevent the clogging of blood thereby cutting down the risks of arterial thrombosis. Introduction of drug-eluting stents was an innovative step in the percutaneous coronary interventions. Choosing the best risk stratification strategy for CAD management always comes down to symptoms and the patient’s health condition.
