Introduction
Life expectancy in coronary artery disease depends on many different factors. The number of coronary arteries affected by the disease and the location of the vascular constrictions are decisive for the prognosis. Depending on where and how pronounced the narrowing of the vessels (stenosis) is, the disease manifests itself with symptoms of varying severity. The time of diagnosis also plays an important role in life expectancy. If CHD is diagnosed early, the progression of the disease can be effectively slowed down with medication and a change in lifestyle.
What is the general life expectancy?
Life expectancy for coronary heart disease has changed significantly in recent years. A few years ago, almost every second patient died of a coronary heart attack caused by CHD, whereas today, more than 80% of patients survive their first heart attack and can continue to live well thanks to medical care. The reason for this is the massive progress in the medical treatment of coronary heart disease.
There are highly effective drugs available that effectively counteract the progression of coronary heart disease. Just as important and successful is cardiac catheterization, which can be used therapeutically with balloons and stents and can dilate narrowed vessels. Depending on the extent of the narrowed vessels, bypass surgery may be necessary and alleviate the symptoms.
These medical advances give patients the chance to stop the progression of coronary heart disease with targeted treatment and a healthier lifestyle, and to live with the best quality of life for many years despite the disease. In coronary artery disease, long-term treatment includes consistent control and reduction of risk factors. If one takes the medication regularly and lives a healthy lifestyle, patients have an almost normal life expectancy.
Which factors favor the life expectancy positively?
In coronary heart disease, there are good treatment options to slow the progression of the disease. Drug therapy is induced in almost every patient and must be taken consistently. So-called platelet inhibitors are taken to prevent blood clots and statins to protect the blood vessels.
Further medication may be necessary, for example in cases of high blood pressure or cardiac insufficiency. The medication is usually taken for life and must be strictly adhered to. In order to have a positive effect on life expectancy, a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the planned use of medication.
The so-called cardiovascular risk factors in everyday life should be greatly reduced. If possible, one should not smoke at all in order to avoid further damage to the blood vessels. Regular exercise is healthy and, if necessary, you should decide with your doctor which sport is suitable for you and to what extent.
Overweight should be reduced, at best with sport and a healthy diet. One should eat a balanced diet rich in fiber. A Mediterranean diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, fish and healthy oils and little animal fats is recommended.
One should avoid stress and, if necessary, try relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or yoga. A positive lifestyle has a positive influence on life expectancy and effectively protects the cardiovascular system. In summary, life expectancy with coronary heart disease can be positively influenced if one strictly adheres to the medically prescribed therapy: a regular intake of medication and check-ups with the doctor.
Another elementary factor is a healthy lifestyle, which effectively promotes life expectancy. If one takes the therapy and lifestyle seriously, one can live many years with a good quality of life. In principle, medication is only used as a secondary therapy.
The CHD patients should first try to lead a healthier life through a “change of life”. With increased exercise and a more balanced diet, the cholesterol levels should be lowered, so that the arteriosclerosis suffering is damped and thus the CHD can be prevented. In most cases, however, this approach is not successful, so lipid-lowering agents are used to lower cholesterol levels.
Blood thinners are also used to prevent heart attacks by preventing the formation of a thrombus.In the case of acute angina pectoris, i.e. a strong feeling of tightness in the chest, as is usually the case with coronary artery disease under heavy strain, so-called nitrospray is used. It contains nitrogen compounds that cause the blood vessels to dilate. The blood can then flow better through the narrowed coronary vessels and the feeling of tightness begins to disappear.
