How can coronary heart disease be prevented?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) which is also known as coronary artery disease (CAD). CHD occurs due to the formation of plaque (fatty mass in the blood vessels) in the coronary artery. Coronary artery supplies blood and oxygen to the myocardium (heart muscle). Globally, CAD is considered as one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization.
Atherosclerosis is the major underlying cause of CAD. Atherosclerosis is the process of plaque formation in the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis in the coronary artery can lead to partial or complete blockage leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the myocardium.
A person may feel chest pain during physical activity or exercise due to insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle and this medical condition is known as angina pectoris. Continued lack of blood supply to the heart muscle can cause the death of myocardial cells, which is also known as myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction affects the contractile power of heart muscle leading to heart failure (heart not able to pump sufficient volume of blood as per the demand).
It is clear from the above discussion that atherosclerosis is responsible for CHD and associated complications. Below are the major underlying causes of atherosclerosis:
High lipid levels in the blood
LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is highly atherogenic and also known as bad cholesterol as it carries fat from the liver and deposits in the blood vessels. High HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is good cholesterol and counters the role of LDL-C. Thus, low levels of HDL-C and high LDL-C in the blood can increase the chance of fat accumulation of the blood vessels.
Oxidative stress
Free radicals trigger atherosclerosis as it oxidizes LDL-C. Oxidized LDL-C leads to foam cell formation which is an initial step of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Generally, our natural antioxidant system neutralizes free radicals and protects us from the harmful impact of free radicals. However, with age efficiency of our natural antioxidants decreases.
Hardening of blood vessels due to calcium deposition
Hardening of blood vessels due to calcium deposition is an important indication of atherosclerosis. In addition, calcified plaque is highly unstable and prone to rupture. The rupture of a plaque leads to a thrombus (blood clots) formation and can lead to cardiovascular events.
Ways to prevent coronary heart disease
- Control cholesterol levels:
The risk of CHD increases with the increase in cholesterol levels in the blood. A sedentary lifestyle and a fat-rich diet play an important role in increasing the levels of blood cholesterol. By limiting the intake of certain foods like red meat, full cream dairy products, etc can help us to control our cholesterol levels in the blood. Increase the intake of a fiber-rich diet, and consuming fish on a regular basis can be helpful in controlling the blood cholesterol. Fiber decreases the absorption of cholesterol in the blood and fish is a good source of Omega 3 . Omega 3 fatty acids are good for our heart as it has cholesterol-lowering property as well as controls the inflammation.
2. Control your body weight
The risk of CHD increases multiple folds in overweight people. Generally, overweight people have elevated levels of blood cholesterol due to high body fat mass. By changing lifestyle (diet and exercise), overweight people can control their weight. It has been documented that 3 to 5% loss of body weight can significantly lower the elevated triglycerides & cholesterol levels in the blood.
3. Overcome challenges of the free radical
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cardiac and vascular abnormalities in different types of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the intake of antioxidants either through diet or as a supplement can be beneficial. Green fruits and vegetables are the rich sources of antioxidants. Some vitamins are also potent antioxidants.
4. Prevent the calcium deposition
Calcification of the blood vessels leads to loss of elasticity of blood vessels. In addition, the calcification of a plaque is prone to rupture and results in a cardiovascular event. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 play a crucial role in the optimal utilization of calcium. Particularly Vitamin K2 inhibits the deposition of calcium in the blood vessels and helps in the optimum use of calcium in the bone formation. Natto, cheese and egg yolk are a good source of Vitamin K2, but the intake of cheese and egg yolk can adversely affect your cholesterol levels. Thus, a nutritional supplement containing vitamin K2–7 is a better option.
5. Take a nutritional supplement
Always having a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is not possible. In such a case, a nutritional supplement that can control the major underlying causes of coronary heart disease would be a good alternative. You can try TrueBasics Omega Heart which is specifically formulated to address the major cause of coronary heart disease. TrueBasics Omega Heart contains Omega 3 & CoQ10 for taking care of cholesterol & triglyceride levels, Vitamin K2–7 for inhibiting calcification, and potent antioxidant resveratrol to overcome the challenge of oxidative stress. Thus, it is a rational nutritional supplement for the prevention of coronary heart disease.
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6. Consult a physician
Only a healthy lifestyle may not be sufficient. In such a case, you should consult a physician and follow his advice.
Hope this helps! Comment if you have any more questions on the same.