What is the Primary Cause of Coronary Heart Disease?
The primary cause of coronary heart disease is a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is more commonly known as coronary artery disease. It occurs when fatty deposits and plaque form on the interior walls of your arteries. As this happens the arteries become more and more blocked, and they also become less flexible, which can slow or even stop the flow of blood through those arteries. The primary cause of coronary heart disease is when coronary artery disease affects the arteries that supply the heart with blood.
What Causes Coronary Aretery Disease to Develop?
There are many conditions that can cause coronary artery disease to develop, which in turn can cause coronary heart disease. Some of the most common causes are obesity, high cholesterol, diets high in saturated fat, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These all cause coronary artery disease by either adding more fatty materials into the bloodstream that can build up on the artery walls, or by hardening your arteries. Genetic predisposition can also cause coronary heart disease, as can smoking or excessive consumption of alcohol.
What Can I Do to Prevent Coronary Heart Disease?
Prevent coronary heart disease by leading a proactive healthy lifestyle. See your physician often for regular physical examinations to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol then you need to do everything you can to combat those. Get cardiovascular exercise regularly, at least 3 times per week for around 45 minutes, and talk to your doctor about proper diet and exercise regimens for a person of your health level and age.
