Some Important Facts about Coronary Heart Disease

You have probably heard a lot of people fear coronary artery disease or simply heart disease. What happens in heart disease is that the arteries harden and become unable to expand because of the deposition of fat in their walls. These fat deposits are called plaques or atheromas. This plaque does not only harden the arteries but it also causes a blockage in the pathway of blood causing inadequate supply to the heart.

Atheromas are very dangerous because they impede blood circulation to the heart. We all know that the heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. With the heart muscles receiving less oxygen rich blood and increased cardiac workload, they will surely function less and will cause a patient to experience pain. The pain experienced by the patient is medically termed angina.

Angina occurs when the heart doesn't have enough supply of oxygen for it to function properly. The heart muscles need oxygen for them to function because it is necessary for the energy formation of muscles that it uses for working. Without adequate energy, muscles will fail to work. Angina is described as a painful squeezing feeling in the chest that is also felt in the jaws, extremities and the back.

Usually, after an angina, a possible heart attack is expected. The heart attack happens because of the lack of oxygen supply in the heart muscles causing it to form necrotic tissues. With necrotic tissues present in your heart, it will not be effective anymore in pumping blood throughout your system. Your heart will be tired of pumping ineffectively, causing it to fail. Without prompt treatment, a heart attack will cause death.

Now that you know all about the disease process of coronary artery disease, you should also know what its risk factors are so that you'll be able to prevent having such a disease. If you have a family history of coronary artery disease, you will have a greater chance of developing it. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing heart disease because nicotine causes blood vessel constriction which further narrows the arteries.

People with less activity or those who are just sitting and watching television or doing nothing all day are also very prone to develop coronary heart disease. Decreased physical activity for a long period of time causes the muscles to become weak and unable to function properly. With a weak heart muscle, it can no longer pump enough blood and therefore has to do some extra work. This extra work will cause fatigue to the heart, causing it to fail.

Obesity also increases the chance of having heart disease. Fat is a major contributory factor for the development of heart disease and people who are obese or overweight have a lot of fat stored in their bodies. These fats need to be burned down to lose weight and prevent having serious complications such as heart disease.

A lot of lifestyle changes should be made if you're used to an unhealthy lifestyle. If you're a chain smoker, then you should stop smoking. If you are not used to doing some strenuous work, then you better start doing even simple work to tone your muscles, especially that of the heart.

Article by: KatieA.Price | Total views: 75 | Word Count: 530

About the Author

For a better heart and better fitness, check out some yoga dvds.