Kids to pick up from school, friends to meet, parents to be taken to the doctor, and the list goes on. The endless list of activities often leaves us with very little time for ourselves. To add to this, the lack of physical activity due to a desk job and insufficient exercise have led to an increase in the presence of heart diseases. The heart is an extremely vital organ, and any illness affecting it can hamper the daily routine dramatically. Thus, it is important to ensure heart health every day.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is said to occur when there is formation of a fatty, sticky deposit in the arteries of the heart, i.e., the coronary arteries. Over the years, due to a fat-rich diet and lack of exercise, fats get deposited in these arteries, slowly blocking the blood flow. This is one of the most common types of heart diseases. The blockage of the artery is also called atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
Initially, the reduced blood flow may not produce any symptoms. Chest pain and shortness of breath are the most typical symptoms that patients experience eventually; however, you may also experience other symptoms such as tightness, heaviness, discomfort, or pressure in your chest. A completely blocked coronary artery may even cause a heart attack due to the lack of blood supply to some area of the heart.
The condition can develop due to smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, fat rich diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. It also has a genetic factor that increases the risk of having coronary artery disease. If either of your parents has heart disease, then you are at an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, medications, and certain medical procedures. Procedures to restore and improve the flow of blood through blocked coronary arteries are angioplasty, stent placement (percutaneous coronary revascularization), and coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).Lifestyle changes like weight loss, restricting fatty food intake, regular exercise, and better stress management with techniques such as meditation can help prevent worsening of the blockages.
At Medtravels, our expert cardiologists and stress management gurus can guide you toward a healthier, longer, and happier life by preventing coronary artery disease.
Prevention
Coronary artery disease can be prevented by following a healthy and active lifestyle, controlling conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight loss, and stress management.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of coronary artery disease, consult your cardiologist and get yourself treated.
