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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Coggle Diagram
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common heart condition where major arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. Caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), it restricts oxygen-rich blood flow, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack
Risk Factors (Manageable)
High Blood Pressure: Puts excessive strain on the heart and injures artery walls.
High Cholesterol: High LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol promote plaque accumulation.
Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco damage arteries and accelerate plaque buildup.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels significantly multiply your risk of heart disease.
Obesity & Diet: Being overweight and eating diets high in saturated fats raise CAD risk.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to heart disease.
Stress & Sleep: High chronic stress and poor sleep can elevate blood pressure and systemic inflammation.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Uncontrollable)
Age: Risk naturally increases as you age. It generally rises for men after age 45 and for women after 55 (or post-menopause).
Family History: A history of early heart disease in your immediate family (parents or siblings) raises your risk.
Sex: Men are generally at a higher baseline risk for coronary artery disease than pre-menopausal women.
Prevention
Nutrient-dense: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like fish).
Avoid harmful fats: Limit saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, and sodium (salt) to help control your cholesterol and blood pressure. [1, 2, 3]
Physical Activity & Weight
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
Maintain a healthy weight: Use a BMI Calculator to stay in a normal range. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can drastically reduce heart disease risk. [1, 2]
Lifestyle Habits
Quit tobacco: Avoid smoking and vaping, as nicotine damages and tightens blood vessels.
Limit alcohol: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption to help manage blood pressure.
Prioritize sleep: Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to repair blood vessels.
Manage stress: Use healthy coping mechanisms like meditation, yoga, or exercise to lower stress levels. [1, 2, 3]