The Causes of Coronary Heart Disease

There are many causes of coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease. In general, coronary heart disease is caused by defective or weakened coronary arteries; the blood vessels that supple blood to the heart itself. The arteries may be constricted or has hardened. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the inner lining of the arteries due to deposit of hardened cholesterol or other fats. Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of the arterial tubes. This is sometime detectable by assessing the springiness of the radial artery in the wrist. In both cases, blood supply to the cardiac muscle is restricted or even blocked. These conditions if untreated can lead to heart attack other serious vascular disorders.

Detection and Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a silent killer and diagnosis is often made much later in life, often in the advance stage or after a heart attack or stroke. If the causes of coronary heart disease are diagnosed early, the condition can be controlled with treatment. The causes of coronary heart disease usually start in childhood when eating habit and propensity for physical activities are established. Hence, understanding the causes of coronary heart disease is the valid in the prevention of heart attack and other serious medical condition.

There are many causes of coronary heart disease. Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol level are all contributing factors. Some coronary heart diseases are hereditary. Men are also more susceptible to coronary heart disease and the risk increases with age for both sexes. Menopause is also a factor with the incidence of attack rising in women above the age of 65.

Understanding the causes of coronary heart disease is only the first step in prevention. The various risk factors must be actively controlled. Weight should be reduced to a healthy level, a proper diet with less saturated fat is advisable and regular exercise is a must. Smoking increases the risk several fold. Woman smokers have a significantly higher risk than male smokers. People with a high risk of developing coronary heart disease should also have regular medical check up.

If you have a high risk of developing coronary heart disease, seek professional advice promptly. Proper treatment and preventive measures can negate the causes of coronary heart disease and avert more serious medical conditions.

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