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Preventing Coronary Artery Disease |
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Coronary Artery Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. It is a disease that involves a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the muscle of the heart. It may seem strange if you haven't studied anatomy and physiology, but even though the heart has blood flowing through it constantly, this blood does not supply oxygen and nutrients to the muscle of the heart.
by ScottWilliams
Coronary Artery Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. It is a disease that involves a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the muscle of the heart. It may seem strange if you haven't studied anatomy and physiology, but even though the heart has blood flowing through it constantly, this blood does not supply oxygen and nutrients to the muscle of the heart.
There are three main arteries that supply blood to the heart - the Left Anterior Descending artery, the Circumflex artery and the Right Coronary Artery. Each of these arteries split into smaller arteries and then blood vessels. Coronary Artery Disease can impact any of these arteries and vessels.
There are many risk factors that can affect your likelihood of contracting this disease. Common risk factors for coronary artery disease include being overweight, not exercising and suffering from hypertension or high cholesterol. Diabetes, family history and age can also affect your chances of contracting this disease, which usually presents itself as atherosclerosis, which are deposits that build up in your vessels restricting the volume of blood that can flow through.
Blood vessels usually have the ability to stretch to let more blood through, but those who suffer from coronary artery disease lose this ability. Then when plaque build up inside the vessels is added in when the heart really needs the blood, such as when you exercise it will not get it.
If your coronary artery disease mostly involves the small vessels this can lead to intermittent chest pain, also known as angina, which is usually relieved by resting/removing the stress and certain medications your doctor can prescribe. It can also lead to small areas of damaged heart muscle, which may or may not be reversible. But if your coronary artery disease involves major blockage of a large vessel or if a piece of the plaque falls off blocking the blood vessel completely this can lead to a major heart attack/heart failure.
If you think that you are at risk for coronary artery disease then you should consult your doctor for treatment options. There are many ways to treat this disease, from lifestyle changes to medication to surgery.
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