What You Need to Know About Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that gives many people sleepless nights. With this health complication, the major blood vessels that supply the heart struggle to send enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles. This is mostly due to cholesterol deposits in the heart and inflammation.
The signs and symptoms of blocked arteries occur when the heart fails to get enough oxygen-rick blood. No wonder most people with coronary artery disease experience chest pain and shortness of breath. A complete blockage of blood flow can lead to a heart attack. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing chest pain, shoulder or arm pain, shortness of breath and sweating.
When To See A Doctor
The very moment you suspect yourself to be having a heart attack, you should not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, then let someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself to the hospital only as a last option.
Keep in mind there are a few things that make you more likely to get coronary artery disease. This includes smoking or having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a string family history of heart disease. If you deem yourself to be a high risk for coronary artery disease, then it would be better to talk to your health care provider. You may need tests to check for narrowed arteries and coronary artery disease.
Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease
You don’t have to wait until you start experiencing the signs and symptoms of blocked arteries to start making lifestyle changes. After all, prevention is better than cure. The same lifestyle habits used to help treat coronary artery disease can also help keep it at bay. Leading a healthy lifestyle helps keep the arteries string and clear of plaque.
No wonder you should be more than ready to make a few changes to your lifestyle if you are to prevent coronary artery disease. Quit smoking, exercise often, maintain a healthy weight, and control high blood pressure. You should also reduce and manage stress as it could also increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
Either way, make it the norm to go for health checkups. This is regardless of whether or not you experience the signs and symptoms of blocked arteries.
