By Emilio Sánchez
MiamiDadeHealth.com
Cardiovascular diseases are a silent killer in today’s modern life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year almost one million Americans die from cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis —hardening of the arteries— is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. The fatty deposits, called plaque buildup, thickens and stiffens artery walls. This can hinder the blood flow that reaches the heart muscle, other organs, and tissues in the body.
Narrowing or blocking of the veins and arteries is the coronary artery disease, responsible for heart attacks and angina.
Scientists and physicians say atherosclerosis may have a genetic origin, but it’s also the result of an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, being overweight and smoking. Generally, atherosclerosis is a slow, silent and progressive disease, which can begin in childhood, or suddenly appear during adulthood or old age.
Coronary artery disease increases the chance of having a heart attack. You should ask for emergency help if the following symptoms occur: chest pain; discomfort in one arm or both, back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, and cold sweat.
You can avoid coronary artery disease by combining a healthy diet, regular exercise, controlling stress and periodic visits to your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol and sugar levels.
In any case, there is a wide variety of medications to treat coronary heart disease and the factors that cause it. Those treatments will allow you to enjoy a normal life. Consult with your doctor about the best possible treatment if you think you are at risk of coronary heart disease.
