Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease, also known as atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, type disease which affects the heart.
The coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. The narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to the build-up of fat affect the circulation to the heart and results in the damage of the heart muscle. Coronary heart disease can be caused by one or a combination of risk factors which include:
    。Smoking、
    。High fat diet、
    。Lack of physical activity、
    。High blood pressure, high cholesterol、
    。Obesity、
    。Diabetes mellitus、
    。Stress、
    。A family history of coronary heart disease.

 

In 2007, 164 men died of heart disease in Macau. Smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke and chronic lung diseases. It is the most preventable cause of death in Macau.

The most common symptoms are:
    。Angina → Sufferers usually describe having chest pain, or a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest. The pain can spread down one or both arms, or up to the neck, jaw, shoulder or back. This pain is usually induced by physical exertion (such as climbing stairs) and relieved by resting afterwards for a few minutes.
    。Sufferers easily become short of breath、
    。Paleness, sweating, or weakness、
    。Nausea, vomiting or indigestion.

Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes each day is enough to improve your cardio-pulmonary function as well as blood circulation. You can also reduce your risk of coronary heart disease through the following methods:
    。Avoid smoking、
    。Maintain a balanced diet; avoid excessive consumption of fat, oily, salty and sweet foods、
    。Do suitable physical exercises in accordance with your own physical condition、
    。Control your weight、
    。Get enough rest and avoid stress、
    。Check blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly according to doctor’s instruction.

If you suspect that you have coronary heart disease, consult a doctor right away. You may also use the following approaches to alleviate the condition. All preventative measures are likewise effective treatments and include:
    。Quitting smoking、
    。Maintaining a healthy weight、
    。Exercising regularly under medical supervision、
    。Having a low fat and low cholesterol diet、
    。Taking prescribed medications to treat chest pain and control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

My friends, whether you are young or old, have you ever concerned about coronary heart disease (CHD)?

Many people think that only “elderly people” need to take precautions against CHD. However findings in a study revealed that lifestyle choices during childhood and adolescence may be associated with the development of CHD in adulthood.

The study, carried out in Finland in 1980, interviewed and examined 2,229 children and young people aged 3 to 18. They were re-examined 21 years later and measures of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery were taken. An increase in the IMT is closely related to atherosclerosis and CHD.

It was found that adolescents aged age 12 to 18 who were smokers, obese, had high blood pressure and/or high LDL-cholesterol levels (also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol), had higher IMTs when measured 20 years later. In other words, they were at greater risk of developing CHD.

So, dear friends, would you still say that “CHD is not my problem”?
If you are someone who does little exercise, then, and as a smart and healthy person, now is the time to take action and increase your physical activity, regardless of your age.