Ever wonder what your heart thinks it is doing — or how you may be killing it? So let us look at the silent killer, Coronary Artery Disease, which is affecting millions world wide. Here is what we know about the condition, and how to keep yours pumping strong for years to come.
The Heart of the Matter: What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Your heart is like a busy town, and your coronary arteries are the highways through which critical supplies flow. When these important roadways get congested with it (plaque) you slow down traffic and could potentially cause a big pile-up, which is called coronary artery disease. This can begin to block your heart’s blood vessels, which in turn starves the organ for oxygen and the nutrients it requires.
What is coronary artery disease in simpler terms?
A disease in which the blood supply to your heart muscle becomes partially or completely blocked. The mind does this slowly, without you being fully aware of it.
How do you know the highways of your heart have become constricted?
Watch out for these symptoms of coronary disease:
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue during physical activities
This may be your body’s version of hoisting a red flag up at the last moment- trying to tell you not all is well in your cardiac city
Suspects: Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors
When it comes to solving the mystery of coronary artery disease, as with any good crime scene investigation, identifying main suspect is crucial for prevention. Let’s solve the mystery:
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Risk increases as we get older. It’s a lifelong game of tetris in our arteries, the blocks start falling with faster and fast with time.
What about Gender Equality? Men get coronary artery disease at a younger age, but after menopause women catch it up. Its not quite the gender balance we were after!
Family history, not only the wealth, even heart disease runs in the family, you might have inherited more than just your grandparent’s property.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- If you have High blood pressure, It’s like cranking up the pressure in that garden hose long enough and one of those fittings is going to burst.
- High cholesterol is the street art in your arteries, using them as a canvas when they should not.
- Smoking is like inviting an war zone into your heart’s city. Not a good idea!
- Having junk food is like throwing waste in your body, not good.
- Physical inactivity is not only for your body, for your heart muscle too, if you don’t use, you may lose them!
- Obesity is like carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on your heart. Imagine asking it to wear a backpack all the time.
- Diabetes is like pouring syrup into your engine and gums up the works.
I hope you understand what is coronary artery disease and its risk. Problems can be managed and prevented rather than being treated after developing. What this means is whenever one is aware that such risk factors exist, they are in a position to go an extra mile in making sure that their coronary artery is well protected.
Breaking News: Prevention Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Finally, now that we’ve identified the bad guys, and know how to get them to take their nasty selves on let’s investigate how to avoid them in the first place. Here are some superhero moves to protect your coronary artery disease
Eat like your heart depends on it (because it does!): Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products and lean meat. Remember the Mediterranean diet and not the free-eat buffet.
Get moving: Your heart is screaming at you to go dance, go jogging, go swimming or just go for a leisurely walk. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week is recommended.
No more tobacco: there’s no reason to continue this unhealthy partnership by smoking. It will be the best thing you will ever do for your heart (and lungs).
Keep your numbers in check: Preventive check-ups are like an oil change on your car; you sometimes don’t realize how much you need it until it is done. It’s good practice to keep an eye on such conditions as hypertension, high cholesterol, as well as elevated blood sugar levels.
Stress less: Easier said than done, right? However, picking constructive ways to beat stress (prayer, meditation, deep breathing, Yoga) are a bless to heart.
Watch the booze: Red wine is good for the heart, but what if you have a whole bottle of the stuff? Not so much. Moderation is key!
If you find yourself adopting these habits, you’re not only choosing to avoid getting coronary artery disease but you’re consciously choosing to build yourself a better life.
The Plot Twist: Signs of Clogged Arteries You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sometimes, your body sends out distress signals. Don’t play the hero by ignoring these signs of clogged arteries:
- Chest pain or tightness, especially during physical activity
- Shortness of breath that seems out of proportion to your exertion
- Pain or numbness in your legs or arms
- A persistent feeling of fatigue or weakness
After all, with coronary artery disease, it can be a good thing to be a little defensive. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t write your own story – see a healthcare professional.
The Silent Threat: Progression of Coronary Artery Disease
The commonest cause of coronary artery disease develops stealthily over the years. Damage to the inner layer of a coronary artery can occur from many causes. These causes include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and others. That damage allows fatty deposits (plaque) to accumulate in the artery wall.
Plaque builds up narrowing the coronary artery and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Symptoms of coronary disease, including chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath that occur mainly during physical activity, can result from this reduced blood flow.
If a plaque breaks through, then a blood clot can form on its surface. In a heart attack, a large clot can block the coronary artery. That is why it is so important to know what is coronary artery disease is and to identify its symptoms so that they can be treated early.
Lifestyle in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease
You do not have to live with coronary artery disease. In fact, it’s a chance to live a heart healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for managing coronary artery disease heart conditions
- If your doctor prescribes medications to you, follow their instructions carefully. For instance, take statins to lower your cholesterol, aspirin to prevent blood clots, or beta blockers to help manage heart problems.
- Learn healthy ways to cope, like meditation, deep breathing, or talking to a therapist to reduce chronic stress which can worsen coronary artery disease.
- The level of social support is very important. You’re not going to want to hesitate in leaning on friends and family for emotional support.
- Make note of your symptoms, and let your healthcare provider know if your symptoms change. If you notice the frequency or intensity of chest pain worsening, you know it’s time to be aware for signs of clogged arteries doing so.
- In addition, participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs may help you to regain your strength, to slow the progress of your condition, and reduce your risk.
Remember than coronary artery disease is a journey, not a destination. In other words, the choices we make today can be more heart healthy or less heart healthy.
Wrapping it up! Your Heart’s Health is in Your Hands
Coronary artery disease might sound scary, but here’s the good news: Most of the risk factors are things you can control. Making smart choices everyday isn’t just preventing disease, it’s investing in a healthier and happier future. Knowing what is coronary artery disease is, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the signs of clogged arteries give you control of your heart health. It’s time you gave your heart a tiny bit back after your heart has been beating beyond since before you were born!