Coronary Artery Disease
What You Should Know About Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a condition in which there is a buildup of plaque inside the walls of the coronary arteries. This plaque buildup hardens the arteries and narrows the passageway, obstructing the blood flow to the heart. Over time, insufficient blood flow to the heart can weaken the heart muscles and cause several heart problems including arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. A complete blockage of the arteries will cut off the blood supply to the heart, causing a heart attack. Unfortunately, because coronary artery disease usually progresses silently, heart diseases can often go unnoticed till they are in the advanced stages.
If you have any of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease, don’t wait till the symptoms manifest themselves. Call us today at Trinity Primary Care and we will do a thorough medical check up and help you on your way to a healthier life!
What are the Causes & Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease?
When the inner layer of the coronary artery gets damaged or injured, plaques, which are fatty deposits comprising of cholesterol and other cellular waste products accumulate and build up at the site of the injury. This is called atherosclerosis. If the surface of these plaques ruptures, platelets or blood cells will immediately form a cluster at the site in an attempt to repair the artery. This cluster of platelets causes a narrowing of the passageway and eventually blocks the artery, contributing to a heart attack.
Some of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease include:
Age: As you age, your arteries get narrower and are more likely to get injured or damaged, increasing your risk of heart failure
Family History: You are at higher risk of developing heart conditions if you have a family history of cardiac disease, especially if a close relative developed the disease at an early age
Smoking: The nicotine in tobacco compresses the blood vessels, in addition to which carbon monoxide damages the inner lining of the blood vessels, making smokers more vulnerable to coronary artery disease.
Sex: Men are at higher risk of heart problems. However, for women, the risk increases post menopause.
High Cholesterol Levels & High Blood Pressure: High levels of cholesterol accelerate the formation of plaques and high blood pressure accelerates the hardening and thickening of the arteries. Both of these factors obstruct the flow of blood to the heart.
In addition, diabetes, high stress levels, lack of exercise and excess weight can worsen the other risk factors.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Typically, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of coronary artery disease. However, symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath will manifest themselves as plaques continue to accumulate in your coronary arteries and obstruct the blood flow to the heart.
If a coronary artery gets completely blocked, you could have a heart attack. While a heart attack can sometimes occur without any clear signs or symptoms, the classic symptom is a crushing pain in your chest and pain in your arm or shoulder, which is sometimes accompanied by sweating and shortness of breath.
If you suspect you are having a heart attack, you should immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.
Coronary Artery Disease
What You Should Know About Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a condition in which there is a buildup of plaque inside the walls of the coronary arteries. This plaque buildup hardens the arteries and narrows the passageway, obstructing the blood flow to the heart. Over time, insufficient blood flow to the heart can weaken the heart muscles and cause several heart problems including arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. A complete blockage of the arteries will cut off the blood supply to the heart, causing a heart attack. Unfortunately, because coronary artery disease usually progresses silently, heart diseases can often go unnoticed till they are in the advanced stages.
If you have any of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease, don’t wait till the symptoms manifest themselves. Call us today at Trinity Primary Care and we will do a thorough medical check up and help you on your way to a healthier life!
What are the Causes & Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease?
When the inner layer of the coronary artery gets damaged or injured, plaques, which are fatty deposits comprising of cholesterol and other cellular waste products accumulate and build up at the site of the injury. This is called atherosclerosis. If the surface of these plaques ruptures, platelets or blood cells will immediately form a cluster at the site in an attempt to repair the artery. This cluster of platelets causes a narrowing of the passageway and eventually blocks the artery, contributing to a heart attack.
Some of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease include:
Age: As you age, your arteries get narrower and are more likely to get injured or damaged, increasing your risk of heart failure
Family History: You are at higher risk of developing heart conditions if you have a family history of cardiac disease, especially if a close relative developed the disease at an early age
Smoking: The nicotine in tobacco compresses the blood vessels, in addition to which carbon monoxide damages the inner lining of the blood vessels, making smokers more vulnerable to coronary artery disease.
Sex: Men are at higher risk of heart problems. However, for women, the risk increases post menopause.
High Cholesterol Levels & High Blood Pressure: High levels of cholesterol accelerate the formation of plaques and high blood pressure accelerates the hardening and thickening of the arteries. Both of these factors obstruct the flow of blood to the heart.
In addition, diabetes, high stress levels, lack of exercise and excess weight can worsen the other risk factors.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Typically, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of coronary artery disease. However, symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath will manifest themselves as plaques continue to accumulate in your coronary arteries and obstruct the blood flow to the heart.
If a coronary artery gets completely blocked, you could have a heart attack. While a heart attack can sometimes occur without any clear signs or symptoms, the classic symptom is a crushing pain in your chest and pain in your arm or shoulder, which is sometimes accompanied by sweating and shortness of breath.
If you suspect you are having a heart attack, you should immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.