The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body. When there are issues with the heart, overall health is compromised. One of the most common heart problems is coronary heart disease. What exactly is coronary heart disease, and can it be cured? Read the following review to find out.

What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is a condition where the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle become narrowed due to the buildup of plaques within their walls. These plaques are formed from excessive cholesterol accumulation. Over time, the plaques cause the blood vessels to harden and narrow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This makes it difficult for blood to pass through the vessels, depriving the heart muscle of an adequate blood supply.

Plaque buildup in the blood vessels initially does not show symptoms. Symptoms typically appear only when the blockage in the blood vessels prevents blood from reaching the heart, leading to a heart attack.

You can have coronary heart disease for years without experiencing any symptoms, but suddenly have a heart attack one day. This is why coronary heart disease is often referred to as a "silent killer."

Treatment options for coronary heart disease

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you have coronary heart disease (CHD), it is important to be aware that CHD cannot be completely cured. The hardened and damaged blood vessels cannot be restored to their original condition.

Once diagnosed with coronary heart disease, you will live with the condition for life. However, with healthy lifestyle changes, you can continue to lead a normal life and minimize the risk of the disease worsening. A healthy lifestyle can also reduce the risk of future heart attacks.

Here are some recommended lifestyle changes for those with coronary heart disease:

Stop smoking 

Smoking contains hundreds of harmful chemicals, including ones that damage the heart. Smoking and even being a passive smoker can increase the risk of heart disease. Smoking also promotes plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries, exacerbating the condition. Consequently, the heart has to pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body.

Eat healthy foods 

Changing your daily diet can help maintain heart health. For those with coronary heart disease, doctors may recommend consuming healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, low-fat, and low-salt foods.

It's not just about what you eat but also how much you eat. Even healthy food can be harmful if consumed in excess. If necessary, consult with a nutritionist to create a suitable daily menu.

Exercise regularly 

Regular exercise can improve heart health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, 3-5 times a week. Recommended exercises include walking, swimming, light jogging, or cycling. Ensure you warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

Reduce alcohol consumption 

Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure and accelerate heart damage. For those with high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. Alcohol can also cause irregular heartbeats.

Take medications as prescribed 

If you are diagnosed with heart and blood pressure problems, your doctor may prescribe daily medications. Some medications may need to be taken for life, while others only taken when necessary. Doctors may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Implementing these lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your quality of life and help you manage coronary heart disease effectively. Regular check-ups and following your doctor's advice are crucial in maintaining heart health and preventing further complications.

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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