Coronary artery disease, more commonly known as coronary heart disease, is one of the most prevalent types of heart disease. This disease affects the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.

In addition to being hereditary and passed down from other family members, coronary heart disease becomes more of a risk as one ages. Aging increases the risk of damage and narrowing of the arteries.

How is the progress of coronary heart disease?

The history of family members with heart disease increases the risk of abnormal heart conditions. As you age, your heart condition might decline, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease, including coronary heart disease.

Consuming foods high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, lack of physical activity, inadequate sleep, and smoking also increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, other medical conditions such as anemia, autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea also increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease

The symptoms of coronary heart disease may not be recognized early in its development, or you may feel your heart beating faster, usually during exercise.

This is because the coronary arteries narrow, resulting in less blood reaching the heart, and over time, the symptoms may become more severe or worsen.

You need to be aware of coronary heart disease if you experience the following symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina). Pressure or tightness in the chest may be a sign of coronary heart disease. Some people describe it as feeling like something is squeezing the chest, and the pain is usually felt in the middle or left side of the chest. The pain usually subsides within a few minutes.
• Shortness of breath. You may also experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, even during light activities.
• Feeling dizzy. Dizziness occurs because of reduced blood supply from the heart to the brain.
• Heart palpitations. A pounding sensation may occur due to the heart pumping and working harder to meet blood supply.
• Feeling tired and weak
• Nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the stomach

If you are at high risk of heart disease or have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, you should be alert to the above symptoms.

Especially if you feel pain in the left side of the chest that lasts for several minutes, comes and goes, discomfort in both arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or the upper abdomen, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and headaches, then seek medical help immediately.

Treatment for coronary heart disease includes lifestyle changes, managing risk factors, and medication. Your doctor may also perform surgery if necessary.

Discuss with your doctor what diet and exercise patterns are safe to prevent symptoms. Additionally, if you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity, you should manage them well to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

If you need other medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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