Chronic Disease Preparedness

Archive for the ‘Coronary artery disease’ Category

Coronary artery disease is a disease that affects the heart. When plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it is called coronary artery disease. In addition to supplying blood to the heart, the coronary arteries also supply the heart with other important aspects of life, including nutrients and oxygen. Without these things the heart cannot function within the body, which could lead to a heart attack or even death.

The plaque that builds up on the coronary arteries are deposits that contain cholesterol and are to blame for the buildup of plaque and heart disease. The more plaque that builds up inside the arteries, the less room there is for blood, oxygen and other nutrients to flow through to the heart, which means that the heart is not getting what it needs to work properly. Chest pain and a shortage of breath will begin to plague the person who has coronary artery disease and a full on heart attack is very likely from there if the arteries become completely blocked.

Coronary artery disease is not something that happens overnight; it takes years, even decades for blockage to occur, which means many people may be living with coronary artery disease with absolutely zero knowledge of the fact.

The easiest way to prevent coronary artery disease is to refrain from smoking, lower your cholesterol and lower blood pressure. If you have any of these health problems, there is no time like the present to speak with your doctor about converting to a healthier lifestyle for the sake of your health. The first treatment step for coronary artery disease is a complete lifestyle change, which includes losing excess weight, eating a healthy diet and becoming physically fit. Smokers are required to quit smoking and a reduction in stress levels in mandatory.

In addition, medications can treat the disease. Cholesterol treatment drugs, aspirin or other blood thinners, angiotensin receptor blockers and nitroglycerin are used to treat coronary artery disease. If the disease is too far developed, your doctor may recommend a medical procedure, along with lifestyle changes. You may need an angioplasty or stent replacement that will open the artery through the use of a tube inserted into it. You may also need a coronary artery bypass, which is the replacement of your blocked valves with a vessel from another part of your body that will restore blood flow to the heart.