Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries around the heart become hardened, narrowed and clogged. The coronary arteries are the small arteries that surround the heart. Coronary arteries branch off from the aortic artery. These arteries supply the heart muscle. Through them, nutrients and oxygen flow out to all of the muscle mass of the heart. Plaque build up on the inner lining of the arteries causes a lack of oxygen to the heart. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of heart related deaths in both men and women.

Arteries can supply enough oxygen to the heart even if they are 75% blocked as long as the body is at rest or inactive. Any increase of heart rate in the form of emotions, exercise or stress increases the need for blood. If the coronary arteries cannot meet the demand then anginaÃ,-chest painsÃ,-will be felt.

Common symptoms of coronary artery disease are: chest pain in one or both arms, the left shoulder, neck, jaw or back. Some other symptoms are shortness of breath, a burning, pressing, squeezing or heaviness is chest, a vice like sensation in the middle or across the front of the chest. As coronary heart disease gets worse, the arteries become narrower due to the buildup of plaque and the symptoms become much more severe

Sometimes the first sign of coronary heart disease occurs when plaque in a coronary artery breaks apart and causes blood clots to form and block the artery.

There are several preventative measures that can be taken to minimize or avoid coronary heart disease. Consult a doctor for advice. Drugs are commonly used to dilate the vessel wall and increase blood flow. When symptoms are extreme, surgery is an option.

There are also some natural ways to decrease plaque. Start with adjusting your diet. Watching fat intake and consuming the correct kinds of fat are very important. Avoid using saturated fats. Adding more fiber is also important. Eat less red meat and more vegetables and fruits. Watching your sugar and caffeine intake is helpful as well.

Plaque buildup leading to coronary heart disease can start during childhood. To counter plaque build up, adjust your life style as soon as possible.

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