Coronary artery disease results from the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply blood to the heart, due to the formation of a sticky substance called plaque. According to the Texas Heart Institute, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. Eating a diet high in fatty foods containing saturated fats and trans fats can increase the risks of developing coronary artery disease and other health problems that are associated with it.
Lipid Disorders
A lipid disorder is the medical term describing elevated cholesterol and elevated triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad cholesterol. Having an elevated cholesterol level refers to having low levels of HDL cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol. According to Medline Plus, having either an elevated cholesterol level or elevated triglyceride level is a risk for developing hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Eating a diet of fatty foods high in saturated and trans fats can lead to elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Foods containing those fats include whole fat dairy products, red meats, eggs yolks, tropical oils, processed foods and commercially produced snack cakes and cookies.
Atherosclerosis
According to MayoClinic.com, atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, results when the inner lining of the artery is damaged, allowing fatty plaques containing cholesterol to attach to the artery wall. These plaques narrow the artery, reducing blood flow to the heart. If left untreated and eating a diet high in fatty foods continues, the artery may eventually become blocked off. A blocked coronary artery is a serious medical situation. The American Heart Association recommends that daily intake of saturated fats should not be more than 7 percent of calories ingested, and trans fats not be more than 1 percent. Fat intake for the day should not exceed 25 to 35 percent of total calories.
Arrhythmias and Heart Attack
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, coronary artery disease can lead to some serious complications. Following advice from a physician and changing some unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a lot of fatty foods and smoking, can help prevent serious complications from occurring. With advanced coronary artery disease, it is possible to develop an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, cause damage to the heart muscle due to reduced blood flow from narrowed arteries or suffer a heart attack, which can be fatal or permanently damage the heart muscle. It is important to visit a physician regularly to keep track of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with consulting her about adopting a proper heart healthy diet.
