Coronary Heart Disease

Causes
Coronary heart disease occurs when
a coronary artery clogs and narrows
because of a buildup of plaque. Plaque
is made of fat, cholesterol and other
materials. This plaque builds up
inside artery walls and can cause the
arteries to narrow and stiffen, limiting
blood flow to the heart.
Risk Factors
•Age. Men age 45 or older and women age 55 or older are more likely to have
a heart attack than are younger men and women.
•Tobacco. This includes smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand
smoke.
•High blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can damage arteries that
lead to your heart. High blood pressure that occurs with other conditions, such
as obesity, high cholesterol or diabetes, increases your risk even more.
•High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels. A high level of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) is most likely to narrow
arteries. A high level of triglycerides, a type of blood fat related to your diet,
also increases your risk of a heart attack. However, a high level of high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) may lower your risk.
•Obesity. Obesity is linked with high blood cholesterol levels, high triglyceride
levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. Losing just 10% of your body weight
can lower this risk.
•Family history of heart attacks. If your siblings, parents or grandparents have
had early heart attacks (by age 55 for males and by age 65 for females), you
might be at increased risk.
•Lack of physical activity. Being inactive contributes to high blood cholesterol
levels and obesity. People who exercise regularly have better heart health,
including lower blood pressure.
 Symptoms
•Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
•Weakness, light-headedness,
nausea (feeling sick to your
stomach), or a cold sweat
•Pain or discomfort in the arms or
shoulder
•Shortness of breath
Diet
Foods containing saturated fats should be avioded, because
these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.
Foods high in saturated fat include:
•meat pies
•sausages and fatty cuts of meat
•butter
•ghee – a type of butter often used in Indian cooking
•lard
•cream
•hard cheese
•cakes and biscuits
•foods that contain coconut or palm oil
Diet

Increasing your intake of plant-based foods can

improve heart disease and help prevent a heart
attack and sudden cardiac arrest.
Fruits and vegetables both contain a healthy
amount of vitamins and nutrients, contributing to
heart health. Plus, these foods are low in calories,
which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Since
they’re also a great source of fiber, fruits and
vegetables help lower cholesterol levels and protect
the heart.
Eating whole grains can also contribute to heart
health and reduce the negative impacts of coronary
heart disease. Like fruits and vegetables, whole
grains are nutrient-dense and an excellent source of
fiber. Because of this, they can help regulate your
cholesterol level and blood pressure.