Coronary Artery Disease

Importance of Arteries

Our body cannot function without the regular and normal supply of blood, which contains the oxygen and other nutrients that our body requires for its development and functioning. Blood is carried out through blood vessels and veins. One such blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues of our body. Two major arteries in our body are found in the heart – the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery. Their main function is to supply blood to all the parts of the heart. If there arises any problem in these arteries, there will be improper supplying of blood to the heart muscles leading to many heart complexities, even death. 

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What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease, also known as CAD, in simple words is the blockage of the coronary arteries in the heart. It can also be termed as the narrowing of the coronary arteries, which causes a problem in the regular supply of blood. Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis which causes the clogging of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol and other fatty materials in the arteries. The deposition takes place on the inner walls of the artery. The fatty deposits are also called plaques. Plaques can block the normal blood flow to the parts of the heart either by physically blocking the arteries or by causing abnormality in the functioning of the artery. When the supply of blood is not adequate, there is also a lack of oxygen supplied to the heart and not just that, the inadequacy of nutrients also arises. The lack of blood, oxygen, and nutrients causes pain in the chest. This is called angina. The inadequacy of the arteries to supply blood or when the energy of the heart is greater than the supply of the blood, a heart attack is very probable to occur. A heart attack is like an injury to the muscles of the heart.

What Are The Causes of Coronary Artery Disease? 

Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. You must know what can trigger this disease. The main cause behind a coronary disease is the deposition of plaque in the heart arteries. This plaque can be present from your childhood which can build up and cause blockage to your heart leading to blood clots and heart attacks. Plaque is a sticky substance that clogs the heart. The nutrients and other chemical substances when trying to pass in the artery, they get stuck to this sticky thing and are unable to make their way ahead. The deposition of plaque along with cholesterol pushes your artery walls in the outer direction, making them narrower. 

Triggers For The Coronary Artery Disease

• One of the most common risk factors for coronary artery disease is the weight of the body. Generally, people who are overweight and obese are sufferers of heart disease. If you are not maintaining a good diet, then you are definitely at risk.

• Diabetes is also very much related to coronary artery disease. Diabetic patients can very easily get coronary artery disease; therefore, they should be very cautioned beforehand.

• Coronary artery disease can also very well be inherited. If there has been a family history of heart problems, you should sort out as soon as possible and get your diet and medication checked.

• Older age has many complications, and heart problems are one such complication. Coronary artery disease is quite common in older people, especially in those who are 65 above.

• People suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also one of the most common sufferers of coronary artery disease. Higher blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, and higher cholesterol can lead to blockage of the arteries, which can, in turn, lead to a heart attack.

• Coronary artery disease like a heart attack is quite common in people who are stressed. Stress can be a poison for the human body. Emotional trauma can cause immense chest pain and even in serious cases, a heart attack.

• If you are not active in your daily life, then your heart is also not active. Your heart needs to exercise just like your body, and if there is an absence of physical activity from your routine, then you are at an extremely high risk of having a coronary artery disease in the future.

• Science has also proved that men have a greater risk of suffering from a heart attack when compared to women. Premature coronary artery disease has also been noted in men more than women.