Heart conditions are becoming shockingly common, even among the youth in their early thirties. While genetic predisposition to any disease is common knowledge, most Long Island cardiologists state that environmental and lifestyle factors are also key contributors in the rising cases of heart ailments.
One such heart disease with a concerning number of cases in the U.S. is coronary artery disease. Although untreatable, this condition is becoming very common even though it can be prevented with some measures.
Coronary Artery Disease & its Causes
It is a condition in which the arteries of our heart muscles get blocked due to plaque build-up (high ‘bad’ cholesterol levels). These arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart along with other nutrients. When clogged, they start to suffocate the heart with the lack of oxygen-rich clean blood, which further leads to cardiac malfunctions in our body.
Who is at High Risk of Getting Coronary Artery Disease?
As mentioned earlier,
heart conditions can be hereditary. So, if you have a family history of any
cardiac problems, you are potentially at risk. You might also be at risk if you
have:
- High blood pressure;
- High cholesterol levels;
- diabetes.
- Smoking;
- Obesity;
- Lack or absence of physical activities.
What are the Early Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Early symptoms of CAD
may appear to be very minor discomforts and thus are often overlooked by many.
However, you should be cautious if you experience any of these symptoms
persistently:
- Breathlessness with minimal
exertion or even when at rest;
- Weakness, or chronic fatigue;
- Dizziness, or
light-headedness;
- Nausea, or cold sweating;
- Other chest discomforts like tightening, numbness, burning, etc.
What to do if the Symptoms
Persist?