The coronary arteries surrounding the heart are providing the heart with oxygenated blood. Without this fresh source of blood, the heart cannot function. Approximately 7 million people in the United States suffer from a condition called coronary heart disease (CHD), Medline Plus states. In this disease, a combination of fatty material, calcium, and plaque builds up in the walls of the coronary arteries. This results in the narrowing of the arteries and causes the heart to begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen. If the coronary artery is blocked altogether, it may cause a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. Genetics can place a person at risk for CHD. Obesity, inactivity, high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and stress increase the risk even more.
High Blood Pressure
A person is said to suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, when her systolic pressure that is higher than 130 mm Hg, or when her diastolic pressure is higher than 89 mm Hg. Prolonged elevation of blood pressure can cause numerous of changes in the arteries and the heart. Eventually, these changes in turn can lead to the development of CHD.
High Blood Cholesterol
According to Medicine Net, cholesterol is a chemical compound that is a combination of fats and steroids. The liver makes approximately 80 percent of it, and the rest comes from the fats that the person eats. Cholesterol is vital for the cells, but too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to CHD. HDL and LDL lipoproteins carry the cholesterol in the blood stream. LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of the coronary arteries. HDL, or so-called good cholesterol, carries the cholesterol from the cells and back to the liver, where it is broken down. The ideal DL value depends on whether a person has a high or low risk for heart attack. For a person with a high risk, the LDL value should be less than 100mg/dl.
Smoking
According to Britain's National Health Service, approximately 20 percent of the CHS related deaths are caused by smoking. Carbon monoxide and nicotine, found in cigarettes, make the heart work faster and make it more likely for the blood to clot. Cigarette smoke also damages the lining of your coronary arteries.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are considered to be at high risk for the development of CHS. That is why the American Diabetes Association recommends preventive drug interventions such as daily aspirin therapy.
