Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked. This can happen due to a build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the artery walls, a process called atherosclerosis.
Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease:
CHD can develop gradually over time and some people might not experience any symptoms until a serious event, like a heart attack. However, some common symptoms of CHD include:
- Chest pain (angina): This can feel like a tightness, pressure, or squeezing in your chest. It can also radiate to your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw, or arms
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Feeling sick (nausea)
Causes of Coronary Heart Disease:
Several factors can contribute to the development of CHD, including:
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and arteries.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of your arteries and increases your risk of blood clots.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease.
- Family history: Having a close family member with CHD increases your risk.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated and unhealthy fats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to CHD.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can increase your risk of CHD.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing other risk factors for CHD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Preventing Coronary Heart Disease:
The good news is that many risk factors for CHD can be controlled through lifestyle changes. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and unhealthy fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
- Don’t smoke.
- Manage stress.
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
If you are concerned that you might be at risk for CHD or facing above difficulties, please schedule an appointment with your doctor at The Grange Medical Practice. We can help you assess your risk factors and develop a plan to keep your heart healthy.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations.