Understanding Coronary Artery Disease: A Growing Concern for our Health

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of leading causes of death globally. Yet many people remain unaware of its risk factors, symptoms and prevention strategies.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

CAD occurs when coronary arteries which supply blood to heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque. As a result heart muscle may not get enough oxygen-rich blood. A heart attack occurs when blood supply to part of heart is completely cut off. This causes damage to heart muscle.

Risk Factors

It is necessary to understand the risk factors for CAD in order to prevent it. Various things contribute to this disease development :

Poor Diet: The consumption of food with high levels of saturated fats, trans fat as well as high cholesterol can cause the build-up of plaque in the arteries thereby increasing CAD risk.
Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important CAD risk factors. Physical inactivity may lead to obesity, hypertension and diabetes which are associated with increased chances for heart ailments.
Cigarette Smoking: Tobacco use is a major cause of CAD. Chemicals in tobacco smoke destroy arterial walls leading to atherosclerosis.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension makes the heart work harder and may result in thickening of cardiac muscle thus accelerating atherosclerosis onset.
Diabetes: Raised sugar levels raise blood vessels damage risks as well as probability for plaque formation on these vessels’ walls.
Genes: Strong family history in CAD

Symptoms to Look For

Symptoms of CAD vary and, for some, there are no symptoms until a heart attack occurs. Common symptoms include:

Chest Pain (Angina)-Pressure or tightness in the chest; generally occurs with physical activity or times of stress.
Shortness of Breath- Difficulty breathing ;especially with exertion.

Other symptoms may include pain in your neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back. If you have any of these symptoms, especially chest pain or discomfort, you need to get to the hospital right away.

Prevention

The good news is that much CAD can be prevented by changing your behavior. Here are some steps you can take to lower your chance for CAD:

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
Limit intake of saturated and trans fat: Restrict intake of saturated fat/ trans fat, animal fats and bakery products.
Regular Physical Activity: Participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling every week.
Quit Smoking: One of the best things you can do for your heart health.

CAD is a major public health concern, but at the same time, preventable. Know the risk factors and symptoms. By making proactive changes in lifestyle, we can keep ourselves and those we love safe from this killer disease. CAD awareness and public education are very vital ways to decrease the burden of the disease in communities. Have regard for heart health, and let us act together for a better, healthier future for all.