Combating Coronary Artery Disease by Decreasing Cholesterol

By Lora Devine

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. This blood carries vital oxygen and nutrients needed by tissues and organs throughout the body. The heart itself is supplied with blood vessels called coronary arteries. When cholesterol levels rise above normal limits and stay high, some cholesterol is left behind in the arteries. In time, a hard waxy plaque builds in the arteries. This is called cholesterol reduces or blocks blood flow. Organs supplied by these arteries then become damaged because they cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Sometimes bits of this hardened plaque breaks off and heads to the brain, this is called a Cerebrovascular Accident, also known as a stroke. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke occurs. When plaque completely blocks a coronary artery, a heart attack takes place. As we age our arteries can be more occluded from the foods we have eaten throughout our lifetime, putting the elderly at risk for heart attacks and stroke.
An important step in reducing the risk of having a heart attack or stoke is to manage cholesterol. A healthy lifestyle and being aware of risk factors can help you be proactive in your health management.

GET MOVING
Exercising is a great way to help you heart get a workout, as well decrease the odds of having a stroke. Exercising does not mean you have to run a marathon or have considerable speed or strength. Vigorous gardening, taking a walk with grandchildren, or exercising three to four time s a week. Staying moving for 30-40 minutes is beneficial to your heart health!

EAT RIGHT
Eating healthy can decrease your risk for stroke too. Think of the ”Fabulous Five” Fruits, Fiber, Folate, and Fish. Fruits, like apples and bananas. Fiber, found in vegetables and whole grains. Folate is found in spinach and broccoli. Fish, is high in Omega-3 Fatty acids like tuna and salmon help the heart. Decreasing sodium and saturated fats from your diet is a great start!

HAVE HOPE
Evaluate existing risk factors with HOPE! An easy way to remember some of the risks related to having a stroke is HOPE. Early evaluation of risk factors can help you and your healthcare provider make the necessary steps to monitor your health. Remembering to have HOPE can help evaluate if you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. If you have one or more of the following risk factors contact your primary health care provider for further evaluation!

H -High blood pressure, High Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar, Heart Arrhythmias.
O -Obesity increases your risk of stroke and heart disease
P -Previous stroke or heart attack or family history
E -Engaging in drug use or heavy drinking


References

1. http://www.docguide.com/

2. http://www.healthline.com/

3. http://www.pennhealth.com/

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Lora Devine RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.