Coronary heart disease develops when the major blood vessels that supply your heart become damaged or diseased. Coronary artery disease is usually caused by cholesterol deposits and inflammation in the coronary arteries.
Obesity has consistently been associated with an increased risk for metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disease. Body fat increases the risk of heart disease through atrial enlargement, ventricular enlargement, and atherosclerosis.
It is the coronary arteries that supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. It could take decades before you realize you have coronary artery disease until you suffer a heart attack or have a significant blockage.
Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease
As plaque continues to build up in your coronary arteries, however, you may develop the following coronary artery disease signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain. Tightness or pressure in your chest may feel as if someone were standing on it. Angina is generally triggered by physical or emotional stress. After stopping a stressful activity, the pain usually subsides.
- Shortness of breath. If your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, you may develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with activity.
- Heart attack. In addition to chest pressure and arm pain, shortness of breath and sweating are other signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
What Causes Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease is due to injury in the inner layer of the coronary artery. It typically starts during early childhood. Coronary heart disease is also caused by smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and other obesity-related diseases. An inactive lifestyle can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. If the plaque surface breaks or ruptures, blood cells called platelets clump together at the site to try to repair the artery. This clump can block the artery, leading to a heart attack.
Managing Coronary Heart Disease
Prevention of coronary heart disease is as simple as maintaining the same lifestyle as treating it. A healthy lifestyle can help keep your arteries strong and clear of plaque. To improve your heart health, follow these tips:
- Eat healthy foods
- Activate your lifestyle
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a balanced diet with low fat and low salt intake
- Manage stress
Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight can help lower your risk for coronary heart disease. Try the HCG diet regimen as your weight loss program. It improves other risk factors related to coronary heart diseases, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may also help control diabetes.