HEART

Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a common problem in the United States and is responsible for many deaths worldwide. Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries are blocked with fatty deposits which restrict blood flow. This blockage can result in a variety of heart problems including angina, a heart attack, arrhythmias and eventually heart failure. These fatty deposits build up over a period of time and are usually caused by a diet full of saturated fats which ends up in the arterial walls. As the walls of the artery narrow, the heart has to work harder to pump the blood throughout the body. This may result in chest pain or in the condition angina which happens when the heart does not have enough blood. A clot could become dislodged and cause a heart attack, which may lead to the death of a portion of the heart's tissue. Coronary heart disease can also cause arrhythmias, which is a disruption of the normal heart rhythm. Prolonged blockage can lead to heart failure as the heart has to work harder to pump the blood throughout the body, and as a result, the organs start to fail and to retain water.

Coronary heart disease can lead to so many different heart health problems, that it is worthwhile doing everything to prevent coronary heart disease before it occurs. Eating a diet low in saturated fats, avoiding cigarette smoke, and exercising on a regular basis can prevent coronary heart disease. Trans fatty acids can also block the arteries, and the margarines which were once considered healthy are now heart enemies. Cholesterol plays a large role in causing coronary heart disease, so it is essential to cut down on the number of eggs consumed a week, to eat only low-fat dairy products and to trim the fat and the skin off of chicken. Use canola and olive oils and avoid eating high fat dairy products. Your heart will function better as a result.

One way of preventing Coronary heart disease is to be aware of your family history and to act accordingly to prevent the problem. If your parents suffered a heart attack or another heart problem associated with coronary heart disease, it is essential that you go to a doctor for regular checkups, watch your diet and to exercise, Even those who are only 30 should already be concerned about preventing this problem. Stress and blood pressure are also contributing factors to Coronary heart disease, so if necessary, it might be a good idea to enroll in stress and anger management courses to handle the pressure of everyday life.

Once someone has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, there are several steps that can be taken. Many patients take drugs designed to counteract the problem. There are surgeries, such as angioplasty, which can open the arteries and increase blood flow. Angioplasty involves putting a little balloon in the artery which will open up any blockage. Angioplasty has proven to be quite successful in opening up arteries and improving blood flow throughout the body.