Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a term used to describe narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the heart. Like all other parts of the body, the heart muscle needs a blood supply of its own to give it food and oxygen. The blood vessels which supply the heart are called coronary arteries.
If one or more of the coronary arteries becomes narrowed, they cannot supply enough blood to the heart muscles. This results in the heart being unable to pump properly. The most severe form of CHD occurs when there is a complete blockage of a coronary artery and this is called a heart attack.
Following the advice of the MSD, in association with the Pharmacy Health-care Scheme, narrowing of the blood vessels to the heart is most often due to a build-up of fat on the inside of the vessels. This fatty build-up is known as atheroma.
The exact causes of atheroma are unknown, but certain conditions are known to be linked to its development. The most important of these are:
- Cigarette smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- Increased age
- Heart disease running in the family
Males are more likely to develop CHD but it is just as important for women to be aware of maintaining a healthy heart. Your risk of developing CHD is increased if one or more of the above apply to your lifestyle.
Changing some aspects of your lifestyle can help you reduce the risk. You should consult your doctor for further advice and if you plan to make any changes to your lifestyle you should always advise your doctor first.
So what can you do?
- Stop smoking
- Be more physically active
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly
- Cut down the amount of fat in your diet – particularly saturated fat
- If you are diabetic follow all advice from your doctor about medication and diet
- If you are overweight, set a target weight in agreement with your doctor and aim to hit it.
If you have any questions about your health or that of members of your family contact your doctor or Mediterranean Quality Care Services who would be only too happy to help with any of your health problems.
Disclaimer
All content within our website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.