Monday, February 13, 2017

Coronary Heart Disease

1) Explain in detail what Coronary Heart disease is. Coronary heart disease is where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries which supply oxygen rich blood to the heart. The plaque narrows the coronary arteries which reduces the amount of blood flow of the heart. This may lead to further medical problems like heart attacks and even lead to death. 2) What are the risk factors for coronary heart disease? (what increases your risk for coronary heart disease) Age: Getting older increases risk of damaged and narrowed arteries. Gender: Men are generally at greater risk of coronary artery disease.

However, the risk for women increases after menopause. Family history: A family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, and carbon monoxide can damage their inner lining, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis. High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of arteries, narrowing the channel through which blood can flow. High blood cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol in blood can increase the risk of formation of plaques and atherosclerosis dentalclinic database.

Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, both conditions share similar risk factors. Obesity: Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors. Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise also is associated with coronary artery disease and some of its risk factors, as well. High stress: Unrelieved stress in life may damage arteries as well as worsen other risk factors for coronary artery disease. 3) What are the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease? Angina—Pressure or squeezing pain in the chest.

Shortness of breath—Occurs when the condition causes heart failure which makes the heart pump not enough blood to meet the body’s need. Fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breath. Arrhythmia—Heart skip beats or beating too fast Heart attack—Squeezing pain in the left side of the chest Heart failure—Heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs 4) What are the consequences of coronary heart disease? How does one prevents coronary heart disease? Blood clots—Formed when the plaque hardens and ruptures. Can completely or partially block the blood flow of a coronary artery.

Angina—Caused when an area of the heart is not getting enough supply of oxygen-rich blood. Causes a squeezing pain or pressure in the chest area. A sign that a heart attack is imminent. Heart attacks—Caused when oxygen rich blood is cut off from a section of the heart. The heart muscle cells then start to die, causing a heart attack. This causes a shortness of breath and heavy pain in the left side of the chest. Heart attacks causes a lessened pumping ability of the heart and may lead to further health complications and even death.

Death—Caused when the heart disease and various consequences are untreated. How to prevent Coronary Heart Disease: Eating a healthy and balanced diet—Eating low fat and high fiber food and avoiding food with saturated fat. Being more physically active—Makes blood circulatory and heart more efficient. Reduces cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Giving up smoking—Improve health Reducing alcohol consumption—Improve health 5) What type of diet should a person with coronary heart disease have? -Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol

(Lowering your LDL cholesterol level will help keep plaque from building up in your arteries. This makes it easier for your heart to get the blood and nutrients it needs. Cholesterol is a fat that is crucial to many metabolic functions and is an essential part of all the body’s cell membranes. Cholesterol is produced in the body from the food we eat and is produced in the liver. ) -Steer clear of salt and processed foods (Eating a lot of salt can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. ) -Reduce canned or processed foods.

Much of the salt you eat comes from canned or processed foods -Cook at home, using spices for flavor. Cooking for yourself enables you to have more control over your salt intake. - Focus on high-fiber foods(select whole grains) (Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Refined or processed foods are lower in fiber content, so make whole grains an integral part of diet. ) -Breakfast better. For breakfast choose a high-fiber breakfast cereal—one with five or more grams of fiber per serving.

-Add flaxseed. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your total blood cholesterol. You can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, applesauce, or hot cereal. -Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (In addition to containing many vitamins and minerals, vegetables and fruits are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol, Dietary fiber is found primarily in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.

Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that may help prevent CAD. ) -Keep fruit and vegetables at your fingertips. Wash and cut fruit and veggies and put them in your refrigerator for quick and healthy snacks. -Make snacks count. Fresh and dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain crackers are all good ways to add fiber at snack time. An occasional handful of nuts is also a healthy, high-fiber snack. -Control portion size—and your weight (Gaining or carrying excess weight means that your heart must work harder, and this often leads to high blood pressure—a major cause of heart disease.

Achieving a healthy body weight is key to reducing your risk of heart disease. ) -Understand serving sizes. A serving size is a specific amount of food, defined by common measurements such as cups, ounces, or pieces—and a healthy serving size may be a lot smaller than you’re used to. -Beware of restaurant portions. Portions served in restaurants are often more than anyone needs. Split an entree with your dining companion, or take half your meal home for tomorrow’s lunch.

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