Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease symptoms and caused by the arteries (blood vessels) that supply blood to heart muscle become narrowed and hardened.

Coronary Artery Disease or simply called heart disease is a serious condition where plaque buildup in the arteries. This is due to the accumulation of cholesterol, fatty substances, and other material, called plaque, on the inner walls.

Coronary Artery Diseases/ Heart Diseases

When it gets thicker, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can’t get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to heart attack or chest pain (angina). Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts’ blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.

If blood flow does not restore quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious health problems or death.

Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure or squeeze in your chest. The pain also can occur on your shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.

Over time, the Coronary Heart Disease can also weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmia. Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood well to the rest of the body.  Arrhythmia is a term that describes changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms and Causes

The first symptom is normally chest pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, ears, arms, and wrists, and possibly the shoulder blades, the back, or the abdomen.  Changing position, resting, or lying down brings no relief. The pain is often constant, but it can come and go.  It can last from a few minutes to many hours.

A heart attack is a medical emergency. It can result in death or permanent damage to the heart muscle. If anyone has signs of a heart attack, it is crucial to call the emergency services immediately.  Coronary artery disease can affect both men and women. Several factors can increase your risk of developing the disease, including: 

• age
• smoking 
• poor diet
• family history 
• high cholesterol 
• high blood pressure 
• inactivity (sedentary lifestyle) 
• other health conditions like diabetes
• obesity or being significantly overweight

Controlling blood cholesterol levels reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. Being physically active, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco, and consuming a healthy diet with reduced sugar and salt can all help.

People with coronary artery disease or diabetes should ensure they control these conditions by following the doctor’s recommendations.

Get Insurance Advice

At Red Cover Life Planning, we emphasize our people- helping them grow, expanding their abilities, and discovering new opportunities. Join us now to be part of our team and story.