Coronary Heart Disease

As its name suggests, CHD is a heart disease that occurs when there is a build-up of plaque, or waxy substance, inside the coronary arteries, which blocks blood supply to the heart. Over time, artery walls narrow due to fat build-up, which limits supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Such a condition poses a risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.

As its name suggests, CHD is a heart disease that occurs when there is a build-up of plaque, or waxy substance, inside the coronary arteries, which blocks blood supply to the heart. Over time, artery walls narrow due to fat build-up, which limits supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Such a condition poses a risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart attack.

Symptoms and Causes

Advancing age, gender, genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and body shape are some of the causes of heart disease. Somebody with an apple-shaped body is more at the risk of heart disease than those with a pear-shaped body structure.

Some of the signs of heart disease may include:

• Chest pain
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Excess fatigue

Treatment

• Smoking increases chances of heart diseases by at least 24%, as nicotine present in cigarettes makes the heart work harder.
• Aerobic exercises help in managing the weight and keeping blood pressure low.
• Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, is being seen as widely effective in protecting against heart disease. Increase intake of omega 3 fatty acid in your diet.