Small vessel disease involves damage to the small arteries in the heart where they do not properly dilate.
Generally, the small vessels expand to supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Nevertheless, once impaired, the flow of blood to the heart diminishes. This can result to serious issues in the heart that can lead to issues in other parts of the body. Furthermore, if left untreated, small vessel disease can be dangerous.
What are the signs?
In general, small vessel disease strikingly resembles a heart attack. Furthermore, if an individual has small vessel disease, some of the signs include:
- At first, fatigue occurs
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Fainting
The typical chest pain from this condition can last from 11-30 minutes or longer. - Chest pain and pressure, usually lasting longer than 10 minutes
- Lastly, pain or discomfort in the neck, mandible, left shoulder, arm, abdomen or back occurs
Overall, the symptoms typically arise after daily activities or if stressed out. The typical chest pain from this condition can last from 11-30 minutes or longer.
In addition, a doctor must be consulted right away if the symptoms worsen or there is pain beyond the chest.
What are the causes?
Small vessel disease arises once the interior walls of the small vessels in the heart are impaired. This disrupts their ability to properly dilate.
This damage can be brought about by various conditions such as:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
If not treated, small vessel disease forces the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Consequently, this can lead to a heart attack, coronary artery constriction, heart failure or even death.
Management of small vessel disease
Generally, the initial approach in managing small vessel disease involves medications to lessen the pain, deal with the risk factors and control any associated symptoms. These drugs improve the arterial blood flow and prevent heart attacks.
Some of these medications include:
- Nitroglycerin
- Aspirin
- Beta blockers
- Statin therapy
- ACE-inhibitors
Prevention
Lifestyle changes and a healthy diet can lower the risk for developing heart disease. Some of these changes include:
- Cessation of smoking tobacco products
- Regular exercise
- Cutting down weight
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
- Proper control of the blood sugar level especially those with diabetes
- Maintain a healthy cholesterol level
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/small-vessel-disease
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-microvascular-disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-vessel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352117