Learn more about coronary artery disease

The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease. This disease occurs when oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked by plaque in the arteries or coronary arteries of the heart.
Atherosclerotic conditions can occur in artery walls, including the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances, such as calcium and fibrin, which form patches or plaques in the arteries. A plaque can form on the walls of the arteries even if a person is young. But as we get older, the risk of plaque formation increases. Over time, if left untreated, this plaque can reduce the elasticity of the arteries and disrupt blood flow.

 

The wider the plates, the narrower the heart arteries, so that the oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart will be reduced. Plaque can also be removed and then block most of the blood flow to the arteries. If this blockage of blood flow occurs in the coronary arteries, a heart attack can occur.

The things that increase the risk of coronary heart disease
So far, the exact cause of plaque formation in the arteries is still unknown. But the following things can increase your risk of suffering from atherosclerosis:

• cigarettes

Smoking is one of the most important factors in increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Smokers must be 24% more likely to have coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. The content of nicotine and carbon monoxide cigarettes force the heart to work harder than usual. Both of these substances also increase the risk of blood clots in the arteries. Unfortunately, other chemicals found in cigarettes can also damage the lining of the coronary arteries, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.

• Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol circulating in the blood can cause coronary heart disease. The type of cholesterol that increases the risk of coronary heart disease is low density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as "bad cholesterol". Because this cholesterol tends to stick and accumulate in the coronary arteries.

• Diabetes

Diabetics must have twice the risk of coronary heart disease. This is suspected because diabetics have thicker blood vessel walls. The thickness of the walls of the coronary arteries can affect blood flow to the heart.

• The appearance of blood clots

Blood clots or thrombosis that occurs in the coronary arteries will inhibit blood supply to the heart. The process of blood clotting is closely related to other factors, such as inflammation, high cholesterol, uncontrolled blood sugar and stress.

• Hypertension

High blood pressure can also increase the risk of coronary heart disease. A person is considered to have high blood pressure if he has a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or more. Systolic pressure itself is defined as a measure of blood pressure when the heart contracts to pump blood. While diastolic pressure is blood pressure when the heart muscle stretches to fill blood.

Means to prevent coronary heart disease
To minimize the risk of coronary heart disease, you can do this in several ways, including:

• Exercise regularly.
• Apply a healthy diet and a balanced diet, increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce foods that contain too much cholesterol and salt.
• Quit smoking.
• Losing weight becomes excessive.
• Check blood pressure.
• Control stress.
• Enough rest. Research shows that lack of quality and sleep affect the increased risk of coronary heart disease.

The danger of coronary heart disease will affect the quality of your life, it can even cause sudden death after a heart attack. Therefore, consult your doctor immediately if you are at high risk of developing this disease or if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain during intense or tense activity, shortness of breath, cold sweat, and chest pain spreading from the arm. and neck. .

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