Coronary Heart Disease: Most Effective Supplements

Coronary heart diseases, or coronary artery disease, are conditions affecting the coronary arteries, the essential vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. They are characterized by a narrowing or blockage of these arteries due to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques (deposits of cholesterol, inflammatory cells, and other substances) on their walls. This phenomenon, called atherosclerosis, reduces blood flow to the heart, leading to complications such as ischemia (lack of oxygen) and, in severe cases, myocardial infarction.

Risk Factors

Coronary heart diseases result from several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that promote the development of atherosclerosis: • High blood pressure: Damages the artery walls and facilitates plaque accumulation. • High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) promote atherosclerotic deposits. • Smoking: Worsens atherosclerosis and increases the risk of clot formation. • Diabetes: Alters arterial walls and increases the risk of atherosclerosis. • Sedentary lifestyle: Contributes to obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. • Abdominal obesity: Promotes metabolic imbalances associated with coronary heart diseases. • Advanced age: Increased risk after age 45 for men and 55 for women. • Genetic predisposition: A family history of coronary artery disease increases individual risk.

Symptoms

The manifestations of coronary heart diseases vary according to the severity of the condition and may include: • Angina pectoris: A feeling of pressure or burning in the chest, possibly radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw. • Shortness of breath: Indicates heart failure or insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. • Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeats. • Excessive fatigue: Especially during physical exertion. • Nausea or vomiting: Sometimes associated with a heart attack.

Etiologies

Coronary heart diseases primarily originate from atherosclerosis, a process facilitated by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Chronic inflammation of the arterial walls and genetics also contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, coronary spasms or inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels may cause these conditions.

Treatment

The management of coronary heart diseases is based on combined strategies aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Smoking cessation, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management are essential. Commonly prescribed medications include: • Statins reduce LDL cholesterol levels. • Beta-blockers decrease the heart's oxygen demand. • ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure. • Anticoagulants prevent clot formation. In cases where medication does not sufficiently restore adequate blood flow, surgical or mechanical interventions may be necessary to treat coronary obstructions: • Coronary angioplasty, used to open blocked arteries, may include stenting. • Coronary bypass involves bypassing blocked areas using blood vessels taken from elsewhere in the body.