Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is the most common cardiovascular ailment, accounting for more than 300,000 deaths in 2020. Discover the risk factors and how to prevent coronary artery disease Plano.
Coronary heart disease: who is at risk?
Coronary heart disease occurs when blood vessels constrict and fail to deliver sufficient quantities of blood to the heart tissues. The condition often impacts the functions of the arteries in your heart.
Coronary heart disease often happens when there is an accumulation of cholesterol and debris in the blood vessels. The following are risk factors for coronary heart disease.
- High blood pressure: High blood pfressure impacts the elasticity of your arteries. It limits blood flow to the heart, diminishing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to heart tissues. Inadequate blood flow may also precipitate chest pain and angina.
- High cholesterol levels: Cholesterol in your blood combines with other substances to form plaque. Plaque sticks to the artery walls and narrows the blood vessel. The plaque increases the risk of blood clots on the arteries’ walls, diminishing blood flow.
- Tobacco consumption: Tobacco contains compounds that cause blood vessels to thicken. It increases the risk of blood clot formation, which blocks the blood flowing to the heart. Nicotine also contains substances that harden blood vessels and encourage inflammation.
- Diabetes: According to the CDC, diabetes doubles your risk of coronary heart disease. The condition is also likely to affect diabetes patients at a younger age than non-diabetics. However, a healthy lifestyle can minimize your chances of developing cardiovascular complications.
How to prevent coronary heart disease
You can prevent cardiovascular complications by consuming whole grains, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, and salty foods. Studies show that diet can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 31%. It also reduces the risk of other related conditions like diabetes and stroke.
Regulating your alcohol consumption is another way to prevent coronary heart disease. Excessive drinking may affect the heart muscle, a condition known as cardiomyopathy. Research moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, can reduce the risk of heart complications.
Moderate drinking requires men to restrict their consumption to two glasses per day and one glass per day for women. If you have a cardiovascular condition or a family history of the disease, it is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether.
Inadequate or excessive sleep can trigger other risks associated with cardiovascular conditions. Research shows it encourages inflammation, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity. If you experience irritability and restlessness, consult your healthcare provider.
You can prevent insomnia by improving your sleep habit. Create a sleep schedule and retire to bed at around the same time daily. Stretching exercises and meditation can improve your sleep quality and duration.
If you are overweight or obese, you have a higher chance of heart complications. Consider losing weight and engaging in physical activities. Statistics show a modest weight loss of 5% to 7% of your current weight can regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.
To learn more about the available treatment options, call Heart and Vascular Care or schedule your consultation online.