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Coronary Artery Disease, The Short Version?
Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is identified by the slow progression of deposits to the artery walls which gradually narrow the lumen. The plaque not only limits the ability of blood flow, but hardens the elastic tissue of the vessel. This combination affects circulation and blood pressure. Prevention is the best way to limit the effects of this disease, a healthy nutritional plan and adequate exercise are stressed for cardiovascular health and maintenance.
Coronary Heart Disease – A Silent Killer of Men and Women?
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a disease of the heart that forms when the veins that feed blood and oxygen to the heart become clogged. This disease affects millions of Americans, and kills over 500,000 people in the United States alone each year. However, coronary heart disease is not just a problem that Americans face. The disease is becoming more common in Europe and other Westernized countries. Heart related diseases kill more people around the world than any other disease or causes. Many are not aware that they are suffering from coronary heart disease. The disease slowly progresses. It is possible to see the beginning signs of coronary artery disease in a child of 10 years old or younger. The heart is a muscle and needs its own supply of enriching blood, just like every other muscle and organ in the body. The heart pumps this supply of blood through the hearts chambers. The coronary artery is the main arteries of the heart and has the job of bringing the most oxygen rich blood to the heart. There are other smaller arteries that feed the heart as well. Healthy coronary arteries have very smooth and flexible walls. The walls are strong, but can become easily irritated. Substances that irritate the arteries are calcium, cholesterol, fats and cell debris. When these substances pass through the arteries in excessive amounts, small amounts will stick to the artery walls. This causes the artery walls to slowly harden and starts the onset of coronary heart disease. Over the years, the artery will become narrower due to the buildup of these substances. Eventually the artery will become clogged. The buildup that occurs inside of the coronary artery walls is called atherosclerosis. This is when the fat, debris, cholesterol and calcium turns into a hardened plaque like substance. These plaque deposits build up and continuously become thicker. Symptoms of closing arteries are chest pressure and heart pain, which is referred to as angina. At this stage, the person affected has coronary heart disease. When the blood supply to the heart is completely blocked, the result is a heart attack. Heart bypass surgery is a common way that those with coronary artery disease remove plaque buildup in the arteries. Double, Triple and Quadruple bypass surgery is for those who have arteries in various chambers of the heart blocked. These surgeries are very risky. The best way to avoid getting coronary artery disease is to prevent the disease altogether by eating a healthy and balanced diet and establishing a regular exercise routine.
Preventing Damage To The Coronary Artery?
The coronary artery supplies blood directly to the heart muscle itself, and damage to this vessel can lead to degradation of the heart tissue. Most problems associated with the coronary artery are linked directly to poor dietary habits, the overweight condition and the use of tobacco products.Causes Of A Blocked Coronary ArteryThe most common reason a coronary artery can become blocked is the buildup of plaques in the blood vessel. A diet that includes high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to an excess of this substance in the bloodstream, with the high-density lipoproteins in lower amounts and unable to remove it. This LDL cholesterol will actually line the inner walls of the coronary artery and constrict it. After a time, the plaques can break away and a blood clot will form, blocking most of the blood flow through this important artery. The heart itself now receives less nutrition and oxygen than before, and the result is a slow changing of healthy muscle tissue to useless scar tissue instead. After years of this condition, the heart can either go into spasms or stop completely.Coronary Artery SpasmsThe actual cause of this condition is not well known, but research has linked it to poor diet and the use of tobacco. The circulatory system as a whole is affected by any substance that causes a constriction of arteries, but the coronary artery is highly susceptible. In the condition known as a coronary artery spasm, the entire artery suddenly constricts, reducing the blood flow to the muscle tissue. Coronary artery spasms occur in individuals with or without the buildup of plaques in the blood vessels.Healthy Diet SuggestionsA diet that includes a good amount of soluble fiber is one of the best ways to combat the buildup of fat and LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Foods such as fresh fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, pasta and certain green vegetables are high in fiber and help to carry excess fat from the digestive system before it reaches the bloodstream. Also the consuming of omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish can also raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, eliminating some of the LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver, where it is broken down and rendered harmless. And aerobic exercise is the best way to strengthen the heart muscle itself. Avoiding tobacco and drinking alcohol only in moderation also relieves the circulatory system of substances that otherwise put a strain on the heart by constricting the blood vessels themselves or overexciting the nervous system.A healthy heart and coronary artery means filling up on good nutrition and avoiding an excess of salt, fats and cholesterol. The coronary artery becomes damaged over a long period, therefore there is no time like the present to start a healthy diet routine.
Can drinking Pepsi cause chest pains?
The most common cause of such "chest pains" would be due to esophageal refllux. However, in certain instances, especially in those individuals with significant cardiovascular risk factors or diagnosed coronary artery disease (for instance), caffeinated products (...and caffeine is a stimulant) can cause coronary artery spasm and angina. Therefore, if the chest pains are heavy, in the center of the chest (typically), and occur with numbness, pain or tingling of the jaw, shoulder, arm or hand, then it would be best to have this assessed emergently.
What surgical procedures are performed by Best Heart Surgeon in Delhi?
Best Heart Surgeon in Delhi performs various operations namely heart valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass, heart transplantation, transmyocardial laser revascularization etc.
What is a meal that could be served for someone with Coronary heart disease?
Salads would be best but anything low in fat and cholesterol is good.
What is a stent in a OM branch of the circumflex coronary artery?
A stent is best described as a tiny metal scaffold that holds open coronary arteries to prevent atherosclerosis and therefore heart attacks (in that artery only). They actually look a little bit like the spring in pens if you take them apart. OM just means (obtuse marginal) branch of the circumflex. The circumflex is a larger artery that wraps around the heart. These are just descriptions of where exactly the stent is placed for future reference.
What is the best means to prevent development of coronary heart disease?
the best means to prevent coronary heart disease is to- 1) avoid eating too much fatty food such as red meat and other high in fat food. eat more vegetarian food. 2) exercise regularly. 3) go for regular health checkups to catch any disease early because the earlier you diagnose a disease the better the treatment will work and the faster you can cure it.
What causes needle pain in lungs when breathing?
The term 'needle pain' is unclear. Sharp pains limiting your ability to breathe can be (best case) a panic attack or a bad cold. Worst case would be something like coronary artery disease or a serious lung infection. People have described broken ribs with similar words.
What is the medical term meaning record of an artery?
You are likely referring to an angiogram. Angiogram means the 'recording' of any blood vessel, not necessarily coronary. I would say your best answer is 'coronary angiography' this is performed via a procedure called 'cardiac catheterization'
Why would you need a angiogram?
An angiogram is needed to visualize blood vessels and assess for conditions like blockages, aneurysms, or abnormalities in the arteries or veins. It is often used in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and planning surgical interventions. The procedure helps doctors determine the best course of action for conditions that can affect blood flow, such as coronary artery disease.
Sinificant result of stress test?
When the body is active, it requires more oxygen than when it is at rest, and, therefore, the heart has to pump more blood. Because of the increased stress on the heart, exercise can reveal coronary problems that are not apparent when the body is at rest. This is why the stress test, though not perfect, remains the best initial, noninvasive, practical coronary test. The stress test helps doctors determine how well the heart handles the increased demands imposed by physical activity. It is particularly useful for evaluating possible coronary artery disease, detecting inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the heart muscle (ischemia), and determining safe levels of exercise in people with existing heart disease.
