Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this condition, blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen to the heart narrow down, affecting the efficiency of the heart to pump blood. Coronary heart disease further leads to heart attack, arrhythmias, heart failure and angina. According to the Mayo Clinic, coronary heart disease can develop gradually over a period of time and can remain unnoticed until it leads to angina or a heart attack.
Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the major causes of coronary heart disease. A constant high blood pressure exerts undue pressure on the heart, which thickens the muscles of the heart thereby reducing its capability to pump blood. It also enlarges the left ventricle leading to coronary heart disease. Blood pressure may be influenced by numerous factors such as the level of water and salt in the body, health of the kidneys, emotional stress, hormonal levels, smoking and obesity. In most cases, it is possible to bring hypertension under control with medication and lifestyle changes. Other potential complications arising from high blood pressure include congestive heart failure, kidney failure, heart attack, brain damage and hypertensive heart disease.
Diabetes
Diabetics are considered to have a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Higher than normal blood glucose levels in the body change the makeup of the blood vessels resulting in coronary heart disease. Type 2 diabetics are more susceptible to coronary heart diseases. This form of diabetes is more prevalent among adults. Younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Merck Manuals recommends a high-fiber diet comprised of five servings of fruits and vegetable daily to thwart complications arising due to coronary heart diseases.
Metabolic Syndrome
These are a group of risk factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease. An imbalance in biochemical processes like digestion and absorption of glucose in the blood by energy-producing cells is known as metabolic syndrome. Over a period of time, coronary (heart) arteries of a person suffering from metabolic syndrome accumulate fat or plaque on their inner walls. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscles culminating in coronary heart disease.
According to Medline Plus, patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome are increasing in the U.S. Two primary risk factors that are associated with metabolic syndrome are excess weight around the belly region, or central obesity, and the body's resistance to insulin. Sedentary lifestyle, aging, hormonal and genetic factors may also contribute to this particular condition. Patients suffering from metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
