Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Coronary Artery Disease -What You Need to Know

By Katie A. Price

You have probably heard a lot of people fear coronary artery disease or simply heart disease. What happens in heart disease is that the arteries harden and become unable to expand because of the deposition of fat in their walls. These fat deposits are called plaques or atheromas. This plaque does not only harden the arteries but it also causes a blockage in the pathway of blood causing inadequate supply to the heart.

Fat deposits in arteries are very dangerous. Aside from the fact that these arteries should not be present in the arteries, these deposits also cause a disturbance in the heart's normal functioning. The blood vessels with fat deposits are narrowed. It also causes hardening that inhibits the normal elastic function of the vessels. It causes decreased blood flow to the heart which results in chest pain called angina.

Angina is the pain that patients with heart disease dread. Not enough oxygen reaches the heart muscles. The heart muscles, just like any other muscle, need oxygen to function properly. Oxygen is transported through the bloodstream. Because of the fat deposits, less supply of blood reaches the heart. Angina now occurs. It is described as a stabbing chest pain that can also be felt at the back and extremities.

Usually, after an angina, a possible heart attack is expected. The heart attack happens because of the lack of oxygen supply in the heart muscles causing it to form necrotic tissues. With necrotic tissues present in your heart, it will not be effective anymore in pumping blood throughout your system. Your heart will be tired of pumping ineffectively, causing it to fail. Without prompt treatment, a heart attack will cause death.

What causes coronary artery disease? That is probably the question that is in your mind right now. Actually, a lot of risk factors can be associated to heart disease. If one of your family members is diagnosed with coronary artery disease, your risk of having it is greater. If you are also a chain smoker or you often inhale second-hand smoke, you will also have a higher chance of developing coronary artery disease.

People with less activity or those who are just sitting and watching television or doing nothing all day are also very prone to develop coronary heart disease. Decreased physical activity for a long period of time causes the muscles to become weak and unable to function properly. With a weak heart muscle, it can no longer pump enough blood and therefore has to do some extra work. This extra work will cause fatigue to the heart, causing it to fail.

Obesity also increases the chance of having heart disease. Fat is a major contributory factor for the development of heart disease and people who are obese or overweight have a lot of fat stored in their bodies. These fats need to be burned down to lose weight and prevent having serious complications such as heart disease.

A lot of lifestyle changes should be made if you're used to an unhealthy lifestyle. If you're a chain smoker, then you should stop smoking. If you are not used to doing some strenuous work, then you better start doing even simple work to tone your muscles, especially that of the heart. - 17273

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home