What is a coronary artery?
Coronary arteries supply the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. The accumulation of plaque (cholesterol fats) can narrow these arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart. Ultimately, the reduced blood flow may cause other signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. While a complete blockage can cause a heart attack.
Coronary artery disease occurs when the major blood vessels that supply your heart are damaged or injured. Usually, plaques containing cholesterol (plaques) in your coronary arteries and inflammation are the cause of coronary artery disease.
Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, you may not notice a problem until the blockage becomes large or you have a heart attack. But you can take steps to prevent and treat coronary artery disease. A healthy lifestyle can have a big impact.
First - we have to know the causes of coronary artery blockage, which are:
1- Smoking
2- High blood pressure
3- High cholesterol
4- Diabetes or insulin resistance
5- inactivity (a life characterized by a lack of movement)
Once the inner wall of an artery is damaged, fatty deposits (plaque) made up of cholesterol and other cellular waste products tend to collect at the site of the injury. This process is called atherosclerosis. If the surface of the plaque is cracked or torn, blood cells called platelets will group together at the site to try to repair the artery. This clump can block an artery, leading to a heart attack.
Second: Symptoms:
Chest pain (angina): You may feel pressure or heaviness in the chest, as if someone is sitting on your chest. This pain, called angina, occurs in the middle or left side of the chest. Angina is generally caused by physical or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away within minutes after the stressful activity stops. In some people, especially women, the pain may be dull or sharp in the neck, arm, or back.
Shortness of breath: If the heart is unable to pump blood sufficiently to meet the needs of the body, you may feel shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with any activity.
It is also worth noting that a heart attack sometimes occurs without any apparent signs or symptoms.
Heart attack: A completely blocked coronary artery causes a heart attack. Typical signs and symptoms of a heart attack include significant pressure in your chest, pain in your shoulder or arm, and sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as neck or jaw pain. They may feel other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or nausea.
Third - risk factors:
Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
Age: getting older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries.
Gender: Men are generally more likely to have coronary artery disease. However, the risk increases in postmenopausal (menopause) women.
Family history: A family history of heart disease is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a first-degree relative developed heart disease at an early age. You are at greater risk if your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 or if your mother or sister developed it before age 65.
Smoking: Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease. Inhaling secondhand smoke also increases a person's risk of developing coronary artery disease.
High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries. This narrows the channel through which blood flows.
High blood cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol in the blood may increase the risk of plaque formation and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol may be caused by a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the 'bad' cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as 'good' cholesterol, also contributes to atherosclerosis.
Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery blockage disease. Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease share the same risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
Overweight or obesity: Being overweight usually exacerbates other risk factors.
Lack of physical activity: Lack of exercise is also linked to coronary artery disease and some of its risk factors.
Excessive stress. Stress due to stress in your life that is not relieved may cause arterial damage, in addition to exacerbating other risk factors for coronary artery disease.
An unhealthy diet: Eating excessive amounts of food that contains large amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, salt and sugar may increase your risk of coronary artery disease.
- Sleep apnea: This disorder causes frequent pauses in breathing and the initiation of breathing during sleep. The sudden drop in blood oxygen levels that occurs during sleep apnea, increases blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system. What can lead to coronary artery disease.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein: This protein appeared in higher than normal amounts when there was inflammation somewhere in your body. One of the risk factors for heart disease is high levels of the highly sensitive C-reactive protein. It is thought that as the coronary arteries narrow, there will be a greater amount of highly sensitive C-reactive protein in the blood.
High level of triglycerides: This is one of the types of fats (lipids) found in the blood. Their high levels may increase the risk of coronary artery disease, especially in women.
Homocysteine: This is an amino acid that the body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissues. But high homocysteine levels increase your risk of coronary artery disease.
Preeclampsia: This condition may occur in women during pregnancy. What causes high blood pressure, and an increase in protein in the urine. It may increase your risk of developing heart disease later in life.
Drinking alcohol: Heavy drinking may damage the heart muscle. It may also worsen other risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Autoimmune diseases: People with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (and other inflammatory conditions) have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Fourth - Prevention:
The same lifestyle habits used to help treat coronary artery occlusive disease also can help prevent it. A healthy lifestyle may help keep your arteries strong and free of plaque. To improve your heart health, follow these tips:
-Quit smoking.
Control health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Stay physically active.
Eat a diet low in salt, low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.
And finally - When to visit the doctor:
If you think you have a heart attack, contact your doctor immediately. If you cannot access emergency medical services, ask someone to take you to the nearest hospital. And prohibit driving your car to the hospital unless this is the last option.
If you have a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease - such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco smoke, diabetes, obesity, or a strong family history of heart disease - talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you for coronary artery disease, especially if you have signs and symptoms of narrowing of the arteries.
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