Coronary heart disease is characterized by atherosclerosis, which is the clogging and narrowing of the arteries. The heart is then deprived of oxygen, has trouble pumping blood and may mutate. Think of it like what an exertion injury can do to other muscles in your body; causing hardening and scar tissue over time. If your doctor tells you that you have high cholesterol levels or elevated triglycerides, then these are your first clues of metabolic failure. At this point, you will still have a chance of turning your life around before it’s too late!
Most people with coronary heart disease don’t realize they have it until it’s too late, even though basic medical tests can reveal telltale signs like elevated triglycerides and high cholesterol levels. Some people may experience “angina pectoris,” which is the medical term for discomfort, heaviness, aching, burning, numbness or pain in the chest, left shoulder, arms, back or jaw. Often this pain will feel similar to indigestion but won’t occur around meal times. Depending on what kind of angina you’re suffering from, the pain may come after exertion (stable angina), when sleeping and while out in the cold (prinzmetal’s angina) or sometimes even just suddenly while resting (unstable angina). Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and sweating often accompany the angina symptoms.
For some people, coronary heart disease seems to run in the family. However, health experts agree that many people are able to live long, healthy lives by following several key preventative measures. “If you smoke, quit,” warns cardiologist Sharonne Hayes of the Women’s Health Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. “That’s the most powerful, preventable risk factor for heart disease.” Additionally, four days per week you should be engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise; whether it’s biking, skating, walking, jogging, swimming or aerobics. If you can’t do it all at once, then three ten-minute intervals will show heart health benefits. Limiting saturated, polysaturated, monounsaturated and trans fats are important. By contrast, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed oil and canola oil have proven to be very effective. Furthermore, the importance of reducing your weight and getting regular health exams cannot be overstated.
Of all the risk factors for coronary heart disease, perhaps the least talked-about is stress. Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is significantly increased by exposure to anger and frustration that causes your heart to beat faster and adds unnecessary strain to your system. If there are certain stress factors in your life, be it a person or a job, then say goodbye. Ask yourself, “Is this really worth 10 years off my life?” Set aside “me time” for the spa to get a massage, a facial or some other soothing service. Yoga classes and meditation have proven to be powerful stress relievers. Weekly trips to church can help put your life into perspective and offer some quiet reflection time. You may have also heard about essential oils, feng shui and soothing music that are designed to heal the stressed-out heart. By slowing down and incorporating more relaxation into your life, your heart health will improve tenfold.
Related posts:
- The signs and symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
- Lowering Blood Cholesterol Levels Avoids Coronary Heart Disease Risk
- Can You Lower Triglycerides By Taking Fish Oil Supplements?
- Cardiac Road – (Living with Angina and Coronary Heart Disease)
- How To Prevent Coronary Artery Disease
- Coronary Angina
- Are Fish Oil Pills Good For You And Should You Be Taking Them Every Day?
- Homing in on the Prevention of Heart Disease
- Prevent Heart Disease NOW – 7 Steps
- Drink Tea to Fight Heart Disease
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