Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease refers to narrowing of the coronary arteries and is usually caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) inside the arteries, a coronary spasm or a blood clot. The development of plaques is also referred to as atherosclerosis. As plaques get larger, the artery gradually narrows, reducing the amount of oxygen getting to your heart. This can cause angina or a heart attack. Atherosclerosis may develop in other arteries in your body. If such narrowing or blockage occurs in the arteries to your brain, a stroke may result.
Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease
Some risk factors we have no control over, such as
- Increasing age
- Gender
- Family History
Some risk factors we can modify, treat or control, such as
- Diabetes
- Tobacco Use
- High blood pressure
- Elevated or abnormal cholesterol values
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women and men in the United States. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing cardiovascular (heart disease, disease of the leg arteries and disease of the arteries supplying blood to the brain) disease.
Click here to learn how screening for risk factors can save your life.
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