Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of disorders of the heart blood vessels.
According to the definition of the World Health organization (WHO), CVD includes
coronary artery disease (CAD), periperihal arterial disease, congenital heart disease,
cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary
embolism. CVD is projected leading cause of deaths globally.
Likely, 17.3 million people died, because of CVD in 2013, representing 31.5% of total
global deaths. Expected deaths due to CVD will increase to 23.3 Million by 2030 [GDB,
2013]. Coronary artery disease and cerebral artery diseases are a major cause of deaths in
industrialized countries, representing one third of global mortality. With the increasing
sedentary lifestyle, more people are becoming prone to CVD.
Important modulators of CVD are so called "modifiable risk factors, such as unhealthful
diet, lack of exercise, consumption of snuff, alcohol, diabetes, raised lipids and stress.
'Non modifiable risk factors' comprise age and heredity. Improvement of CVD
management is a primary task that requires advances in its diagnosis, treatment and
prevention.
Myocardial ischemia (MI) is the most contributed type of cardiac disease to the CAD.
This is mainly caused by an inadequate blood and nutrient supply to the heart's cells and
usually may lead to myocardial infarction. The development of plaque within the
coronary artery (blocks 70% or more lumen of the vessel), cause symptoms of ischemia,
such as decreased exercise tolerance and angina.
This may be the first instance, where the subject starts the experience of suboptimal
operation of the heart. Ischemia can turn into a chronic condition that can gradually
deteriorate the heart. If the affected tissues recover the blood flow, Ischemia becomes
reversible, or it may be irreversible resulting in death of tissues. Ischemia in myocardial
muscle is a matter of clinical importance and is the subject of many dielectric
investigations. Ischemia contributes to heart attacks and strokes. It may also affect the intestines, resulting in abdominal pain, bloody stool and even intestinal rupture. Peripheral ischemia can be the reason for the loss of fingers, toes, etc. Further, Ischemia can occur with or without chest pain (angina) and other symptoms. Silent ischemia usually occurs with no symptoms.
