DPA Tests ~ Early Detection of Heart Disease Is Essential

Arterial blockage in the heart is a medical condition that needs utmost care because it is a highly serious disease. High intakes of cholesterol and fats are the major causes of blocked arteries and blood vessels. Because of limited blood flow, nutrients and oxygen are not distributed to the different organs and tissues of the human body. For people who barely know this severe medical condition, it is good to look at the different treatments, diagnosis and symptoms of arterial blockage in the heart.

Signs of Arterial Blockage in the Heart

When suffering from this kind of serious heart condition, patients are expected to show certain types of major and minor signs. Early symptoms of the disease include sharp chest pain, dull feeling and tingling sensation. Also referred to as angina, the pain is also described as persistent, acute and tight. Aside from chest pain, they can also feel shooting pain in various parts of their bodies including the jaw, arm, shoulder and abdomen.

Respiratory disturbance is another major symptom of this heart disease. Lightheadedness, exhaustion, fatigue and shortness of breath are amongst the associated signs of arterial blockage. Furthermore, patients can also feel verbal disruptions, weakness and nausea. When running and walking, those who are suffering from this serious medical condition can feel shooting pain in the legs.

Diagnosis of Arterial Blockage in the Heart

The heart is a very sensitive part of the human body. Therefore, it is highly important to consult the doctors right away upon the onset of the symptoms of arterial blockage. It is highly important to check the medical history of patients, which must be followed by physical examinations. Doctors usually ask their patients of signs like lack of appetite, fatigue and weakness. Precise diagnosis can also be provided by other diagnostic tests such as electrophysiologic testing, stress testing and electrocardiography.

The heart consists of four chambers: there are two at the top called the atria and two at the bottom known as the ventricles. The heart has its own pace maker called the sinoatrial (SA) node which is a small mass of specialized cells in the heart’s right atrium. The sinus node produces electrical pulses which make the heart beat. A distinct signal travels from the sinus node down to the ventricles passing through a specialized conducting tissue called the atrioventricular (AV) node. This process allows the heart to function properly. If the signal does not transmit properly or becomes impaired it results in a heart block.

A heart block is a disease in the electrical system of the heart and as such is a disorder of the heart beat; it can cause lightheadedness, fainting and palpitations.

A heart block should not be confused with coronary artery disease which occurs when the blood vessels are blocked. Coronary artery disease can cause angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Heart blockage is classified into three levels of impairment

1.First degree heart block – occurs when the electrical impulse moves through the AV node at a slower rate than normal.

2.Second degree heart block – occurs when electrical signals are delayed or do not reach the ventricles.

3.Third degree heart block – known as complete heart block where the heart’s electrical signal does not pass from the atria to the ventricles.

Common symptoms of heart blockage, or a heart attack, are severe pressure in the chest, pain in the jaw, neck and arm, shortness of breath, nausea and sweating.

Source: medicalsymptomsguide.com