Coronary Heart Disease Info And What You Need Know

Health experts say the four major risk factors for coronary heart disease are: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and inactivity. Two of those factors may be partially hereditary and may be uncovered during a physical by the inflatable arm cuff test or a urinalysis. However, the other two factors are lifestyle choices that could really make or break your cardiovascular health.

high cholesterol and heart disease go hand in hand Most people don't even realize they have it until it's too late, even though basic medical tests can reveal telltale signs like elevated triglycerides, congestive heart disease and other forms of heart disease. Some people may experience "angina pectoris," which is the medical term for discomfort, heaviness, aching, burning, numbness or pain in the chest, left shoulder, arms, back or jaw. Often this pain will feel similar to indigestion but won't occur around meal times. Depending on what kind of angina you're suffering from, the pain may come after exertion (stable angina), when sleeping and while out in the cold (prinzmetal's angina) or sometimes even just suddenly while resting (unstable angina). Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and sweating often accompany the angina symptoms.

To test for signs of coronary heart disease, your doctor will do the usual inflatable arm cuff blood pressure test, a urinalysis and in some cases may perform a stress test where you walk on a treadmill or take an electrocardiogram photo of your heart to check for abnormalities. Once you've been assessed, the first line of defense for most patients will be making several lifestyle and diet modifications to reduce the risk factors. You'll be asked to check back in within a few months.

Of all the risk factors for coronary heart disease, perhaps the least talked-about is stress. Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is significantly increased by exposure to anger and frustration that causes your heart to beat faster and adds unnecessary strain to your system. If there are certain stress factors in your life, be it a person or a job, then say goodbye. Ask yourself, "Is this really worth 10 years off my life?" Set aside "me time" for the spa to get a massage, a facial or some other soothing service. Yoga classes and meditation have proven to be powerful stress relievers. Weekly trips to church can help put your life into perspective and offer some quiet reflection time. You may have also heard about essential oils, feng shui and soothing music that are designed to heal the stressed-out heart. By slowing down and incorporating more relaxation into your life, your heart health will improve tenfold.