Artery is any of the tubes that carry blood to the heart. Coronary arteries are the two hollow and smooth tubes that allow blood to flow easily through the heart. Therefore, coronary artery disease is the of the heart caused by an aged deposit of cholesterol, fatty, proteins, calcium and other waste products along the wall of the artery or inside, thereby causing clogging and hardening of the arteries thus disturbing the smooth flow of blood.
Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of the arteries become thick and hard,
making it difficult for blood to flow.
Another condition is coronary thrombosis which is a blocking of the flow of blood by a blood CLOT in an artery supplying blood to the heart.
Symptoms of coronary heart disease
Chest pain
This is as a result of lower blood flow to the heart through the coronary arteries. Victim may experience the symptoms during or after undergoing an emotional stress, exercise or other physical activity such as carrying of heavy object.
Note: All chest pain is not a symptom of CAD.
Tiredness
Symptoms can include shortness or struggling for breath with tiredness as the end result. This is caused by the inability of the heart to supply enough blood out to other part of the body since the heart cannot get enough blood from clogged or hardened coronary arteries.
Heart attack
This is the ultimate complication of coronary artery disease and occurs when the coronary artery is completely clogged or blocked.
Risk factors for developing CAD
Anyone that falls in the below listed category is prone to coronary artery disease .
Race
Race is one of the major risk factors of CAD as America related race such as Americans , Africa Americans, American Indians, Asian America and Mexicans are the most prone to CAD .
Age
Since clogging, hardening or blocking is caused by deposit over a long period, men and women above 45 are more at risk of developing CAD.
Inheritance
The risk of developing CAD is higher if a close family member like parents or sibling or blood relative had CAD.
Smoking
Cigarette and marijuana smokers have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease because smoking damages the blood vessels.
High level of cholesterol
As cholesterol is one of the deposits on the coronary arteries that cause coronary heart disease, high concentration of cholesterol in the blood can make the coronary arteries susceptible to coronary artery disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease of the liver and is found to increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause abnormal, that is, too much flow of blood to the heart which can damage the coronary arteries.
Lack of physical activity
Lack of daily physical activities and exercise can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and improper or insufficient flow of blood through the coronary arteries to and from the heart. This insufficient blood flow can lead to coronary artery disease.
Stress
Consistent stress can damage the coronary arteries.
Excess weight
This can lead to complications such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other body organ’s malfunction including the coronary arteries.
Treatment of coronary artery disease
It is important to know that the best form of treatment is prevention and some of the best ways to prevent coronary heart disease are:
Precaution against CAD
Limited or total avoidance of alcohol consumption
Consistent physical exercise can ensure smooth flowing of blood through the arteries as well as burning of cholesterol.
Avoid food rich in fat and cholesterol so as to maintain a healthy body weight.
Proper managing of your health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure.
Try to avoid stress as much as possible and learn to cope with and manage stress if you are under constant stress due to work, sickness etc.
Avoid or quit smoking.
Eat a whole lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat diet.
2 major treatment of coronary heart disease
1. Medication
The various drugs used in the treatment of CAD are nitrate which is used to correct chest pain and to increase proper blood flow to the heart, aspirin is used to thin the blood thus correcting blood clotting, calcium helps to open up the arteries thus lowering blood pressure, diuretics to lower blood pressure through draining of fluid from the body, statins help to lower the amount of blood cholesterol.
Note: any of the above medication should not be use without proper consultation and prescription by the physician.
2. Surgery
Conclusion
Having coronary heart disease is not the end of the road as changing one’s lifestyle, drugs, recommended exercise and diet can help to manage or treat the illness thus reducing the risk of other heart problems such as heart attack and failure.
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