The Heart & Coronary Heart Disease

 

• Imagine your heart muscle as a busy city that needs a constant delivery of glucose (i.e food), oxygen and other nutrients. These deliveries travel along tiny “roads” called coronary arteries.
• Coronary heart disease (CHD) happens when these "roads", coronary arteries get blocked by fatty substances, slowing down or stopping the delivery trucks (blood) from reaching the heart muscle.

In other words: No open road = no supplies for the heart muscle = big trouble.

• When the coronary arteries become blocked by fatty deposits the arteries are not as elastic anymore. This prevents the arteries from stretching to help the blood being forced through. This leads to coronary heart disease.
• When the coronary arteries are partially blocked the caridac mucles cells recieve reduced blood flow. This causes chest pains called angina.
• Completely blocked coronary arteries means no blood flow to that area of the heart. This means this area of the heart can't respire and the muscle is able to contract. This causes a heart attack.

 

Why Do These Arteries Get Blocked?

Fatty materials (like plaque) build up inside the coronary arteries. It’s a bit like how leaves and dirt can clog a gutter so water can’t flow. When arteries are blocked, the heart muscle can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

 

Risk Factors (Things That Increase the Chance of CHD)

 

Factor	Description
Diet High in Unhealthy Fats	Too many fatty foods can lead to buildup and increases in cholesterol levels
Lack of Exercise	Without staying active, your body doesn’t burn off the extra fat easily.
Stress	Feeling worried or tense a lot releases hormones that can increase blood pressure
Smoking	Chemicals in smoke can damage the artery walls and blood vessels by making them narrower.
Genetic Predisposition (Family History)	If it runs in your family, you’re more at risk.
Age	Getting older can increase the chance of coronary heart disease
Sex	Males are more at risk of developing coronary heart disease than females

 

Reducing the Risk of CHD

• Healthier Eating: More fruits and veggies, less junk food.
• Regular Exercise: Moves your body, helps keep arteries clear.
• Managing Stress: Relaxing activities can help.
• Avoiding Smoking: Keeps your arteries healthier.