The major form of heart disease in Western countries is atherosclerosis. In this condition fatty deposits called plaque, composed of cholesterol and fats, build up on the inner wall of the coronary arteries. Gradual narrowing of the arteries throughout life restricts the blood flow to the heart muscles. Symptoms of this restricted blood flow can include shortness of breath, especially during exercise, and a tightening pain in the chest known as angina pectoris. The plaque may become large enough to completely obstruct the coronary artery, causing a sudden decrease in oxygen supply to the heart. Obstruction, also termed occlusion, can occur when part of the plaque breaks away and lodges farther along in the artery, forming a thrombosis. Cardiac treatment has four major parts: exercise treatment, or mental reconditioning; modifying cardiac risk factors to prevent further heart damage; psychological exercise rehabilitation; professional rehabilitation to lend a human being a hand. Exercise treatment is supervised at first by the cardiac rehabilitation group.
These events are the major causes of heart attack, or myocardial infarction, which is often fatal. People who survive a heart attack must undergo extensive rehabilitation; there is always the risk of a recurrence.
Development of fatty plaque is thought to be due partly to obesity and excessive intake of fat, chiefly animal fats, in the diet. A sedentary lifestyle is also thought to promote atherosclerosis, and evidence suggests that maintaining physical fitness, with excercise
rehabilitation, may help prevent heart disease reocurrence. Increased risk of heart attacks has also been linked to increased stress, but cigarette smoking is still the main risk factor. The occurrence of the heart attack itself is much more likely in people who have high blood pressure. Exercise rehabilitation and exercise treatment programs have to fit every person's requirements.
Many people can be treated with drugs which reduce the load on the heart. Those who do not obtain relief from taking drugs can often be treated by a form of surgery called coronary bypass. In this procedure, which became established in the 1970s and is now increasingly common in developed countries, a section of vein from the leg is sewn into the blocked coronary artery to form a bridge around the atherosclerotic region. In most recipients the operation relieves the pain of angina and in many people it prevents a fatal heart attack. In order to excercise rehabilitation there exist 4 major habits to decrease heart illness danger factors: quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels and lowering blood heaviness.
Chinese doctors also treat some forms of heart disease with acupuncture. As part of an attempt to put the practice on a more scientific basis, they studied the effects of acupuncture treatment on more than 600 people with chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. They claimed that almost all the patients greatly reduced their use of medicine, and that most were able to resume work. These factors can usually be customized through keeping fit, diet, psychotherapy, or medications. Psychosomatic healing is premeditated to take care of the nervousness and depression that often take place with heart illness. A human being may be scared to toddle or to have sex. A lack of self-assurance and low self-esteem are also widespread. Psychotherapy or medications know how to lend a hand with these symptoms. Specific training programs (exercise treatment) might play a role too.
In all of the four parts of the treatment, short-term and long-term aims are habitually set. A number of exercise rehabilitation could begin in the sanatorium, or a human being can even get such a help at home. The majority of activities will take place after the person gets home. The psychoanalysis team may include doctors, nurses, substantial therapists, work-related therapists, dietitians, job counselors, psychologists, and others. Majority of relatives and friends can be very accommodating. Individuals who keep on with the exercise rehabilitation and exercise treatment are more likely to come back to improved physical condition.