Coronary heart disease occurs as a result of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. This can cause the arteries to narrow and let less blood through to the
heart, which can lead to a heart attack. Coronary heart disease affects many people, so it is important to know how you can prevent it, and how to identify the symptoms that indicate coronary heart disease.
Symptoms to watch for
There are several symptoms you can look out for that may be a sign of coronary heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor so that he or she can determine what the cause is and how best to approach treatment. Possible symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Heartburn
- Heart palpitations
- Weight gain
- Dizziness and nausea
Treatment
Treatment for coronary heart disease will depend on factors such as the severity of the case and the state of your overall health. Below are a few possible treatment plans that your doctor may recommend.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner medication, which will help the blood flow more easily to the heart. You may also be prescribed medication that helps to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery is necessary in order to treat coronary heart disease. These surgeries can be minimally invasive; although in some cases, more major surgery is required.
– Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a procedure in which a small balloon is inflated in the artery, in order to increase blood flow.
– Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical procedure in which a blocked artery is bypassed.
– Transmyocardial revascularization is a surgery in which a surgeon can create new vessels to allow for better blood flow.
Prevention
There are some simple things you can do now to help decrease your risk of developing coronary heart disease. One of the best things you can do is to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI at healthy levels. Your
doctor will be able to let you know what your current levels are, and what they should be. Most often we can keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI under control by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.