By Gena Krikler,

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is caused by deposition and build-up of fatty materials inside the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Eventually these deposits can block those arteries and cut off the blood supply completely, which causes myocardial infarction (a heart attack) (1). CHD has long been one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world, despite major advances in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions (1). Prevention is always a better strategy than cure, and there are many ways that we can reduce our risk of coronary heart disease (as well as stroke and peripheral vascular disease, which are also caused by blockage of blood vessels). Some of the major risk factors for CHD are listed below.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for CHD – the greater the number of cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk of CHD (2). Cessation of smoking reduces the risk, which continues to decline with time (2).

Dyslipidemia is defined as elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (3). Canadian guidelines recommend cholesterol screening for males >40 years old, and females>50 or post menopause. High risk individuals, especially those with family histories of CHD at young ages or hypercholesterolemia, should be screened earlier (3).

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a silent risk factor for CHD: it can remain undetected for many years before presenting as a heart attack (4). Blood pressure is easy to measure and monitor, and many pharmacies have machines where you can measure it yourself. Recommended blood pressure levels are less than 140/90 (4).

Diabetes mellitus is another major risk factor for CHD – monitoring and maintaining normal blood glucose levels is very important to heart health (2). Abdominal obesity has also been identified as a risk factor or CHD (2).

All of the above risk factors can be avoided, managed or treated. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to cardiac health. A healthy diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables, fibre and omega-three fatty acids is recommended, as well as avoidance of trans fats and saturated fats (5). Physical activity is also really important – even walking for 20 minutes a day can make a difference (5). Small amounts of alcohol daily may also reduce the risk of CHD (5). As mentioned above, avoiding or stopping smoking is beneficial for cardiac health (and will also reduce the risk of many cancers). People with hypertension will benefit from improved diet and reducing their salt intake (5). Maintaining a healthy body weight is also good for cardiac health. Medications may be indicated for treatment of diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia. A small daily dose of aspirin may be helpful to reduce the risk of CHD (6), however this should be discussed with your health care provider to determine whether potential benefits outweigh the risks.

 

Work Cited:

  1. “What Is Coronary Heart Disease?” – NHLBI, NIH. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
  1. “Coronary Heart Disease and Myocardial Infarction in Young Men and Women.” Uptodate. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
  1. Cole, Jason H., Joseph I. Miller, Laurence S. Sperling, and William S. Weintraub. “Long-term Follow-up of Coronary Artery Disease Presenting in Young Adults.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology 41.4 (2003): 521-28. Web.
  1. Fodor, George. Clinical Evidence Handbook. N.p.: Bmj, 2014. BMJ Publishing Group. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
  1. “How Is Coronary Heart Disease Treated?” – NHLBI, NIH. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
  1. Sanmuganathan, P. S. “Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Safety and Absolute Benefit Related to Coronary Risk Derived from Meta-analysis of Randomised Trials.” Heart 85.3 (2001): 265-71. Web.