Coronary artery disease increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Unhealthy lifestyle changes can contribute to the development of this disease, and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent it and manage it. However, this condition can also run in the family, and body changes occur with age that can contribute to coronary artery disease. To help prevent serious disease, it is important to recognize the symptoms and take steps to lessen the risk factors that are controllable. Learning about coronary artery disease and its symptoms will help to protect against unnecessary illness.
Identification
Coronary artery disease is diagnosed when plaque builds up along the artery walls to the point it restricts blood flow to the heart and/or brain, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This disease is also sometimes called atherosclerosis. When the heart does not get the blood and oxygen it needs, heart muscle cells can die, and a heart attack may occur. If the blood flow to the brain is inadequate, a stroke may occur. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic says coronary artery disease can be due to eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol. In addition, smoking and having diabetes can physically damage blood vessels, causing plaque to build up even faster. Being sedentary also contributes to this condition because it leads to a weaker heart muscle and obesity. The heart, like any muscle in the body, must be exercised to help keep it strong. To help protect against coronary artery disease, it is important to get adequate aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. This means getting 30 minutes of moderate activity almost every day, along with making healthy dietary choices.
Considerations
With age and normal wear and tear, the heart changes physiologically, even in cases in which no disease is present, says the Yale School of Medicine. Over time, the heart muscle may no longer be able to pump as hard or efficiently as it once did. It is also less able to keep up with the demands placed on it during exercise or whenever the body is exerting itself. In addition, the blood vessels may lose their elasticity, making it harder for the pumped blood to flow through. All of these changes can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. This means that with age, it is even more important to modify any unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and learn to recognize the symptoms.
Warnings
According to the Mayo Clinic, coronary artery disease often develops slowly over time and may not produce any symptoms. In some cases, a heart attack or stroke is the first warning sign. However, in some cases, symptoms arise as the disease progresses or during periods of activity when the heart muscle is working harder. The most common symptom is angina, or chest pain. The pain may also be felt in the back, arm or stomach, especially in women. Along with pain may come sensations of chest tightness or pressure. Difficulty breathing, fatigue or lightheadedness may also occur. If chest pain or shortness of breath become severe and is accompanied by nausea and sweating, a heart attack may be occurring. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Solution
For those who have or are at risk for coronary artery disease, the goal is to modify lifestyle choices and to get regular exams to help detect problems before symptoms of a heart attack occur. Because this condition can be present without symptoms, it is important to check blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly to help catch the disease in its early stages. The American Heart Association also recommends quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet low in fat, cholesterol and salt, managing weight, getting plenty of exercise and finding healthy ways to manage stress.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What is Coronary Artery Disease?
- Mayo Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors
- Yale School of Medicine: Heart Disease in the Elderly
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research: Coronary Artery Disease
- American Heart Association: Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors
