Why does the clogging of the arteries called Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease occur? And what can be done in order to prevent it?
Coronary artery disease is a blockage of the coronary arteries by accumulation of fat and cholesterol, resulting from the interaction of multiple risk factors that predispose to the development of this clinical entity. The main risk factors include: Diabetes Mellitus, smoking and/or cigarette consumption, systemic hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and obesity. These factors may also be involved: Type A personality or people who are subjected to intense psychosocial stress. Not drinking alcohol is considered a predisposing factor. Drinking small amounts of alcohol may be an allied factor in cardiovascular prevention as long as it is moderate; As much as two glasses of red wine or having two drinks of whiskey a day. Excessive alcohol consumption is considered harmful to health. Another very important factor in cardiovascular risk is sedentarism. Therefore as a preventive measure, aerobic exercises are necessary at least 5 times per week, 30 minutes a day or 3 times per week 60 minutes a day. Another measure in atherosclerotic cardiovascular prevention includes eating 5 small servings of vegetables and fruits during the day divided in 3 main meals and 2 snacks. The different cardiovascular risk factor described before act by inflaming the vascular wall internally and in its turn allows the accumulation of bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol inside the arteries in conjunction with elevated triglycerides. It is important to highlight that the risk of myocardial infarction or heart attack is proportional to the aforementioned risk factors and the most relevant in my clinical practice include smoking and diabetes mellitus or equivalent on insulin resistance syndrome, hyperinsulinism or intolerance to carbohydrates or sugars. It is important to mention that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease can be prevented as well as its consequences. On this basis I recommend periodic visit to your cardiologist for a strict control of identified cardiovascular risk factors or to go at least once a year for preventive comprehensive evaluation, if you are obese or have a family history of cardiovascular disease or illness. If you smoke, we recommend you quit the smoking habit. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic or have insulin resistance you should see your doctor regularly for strict control of blood glucose and insulin. If the patient has elevated cholesterol and triglycerides they should receive ongoing treatment with a statin and / or fibrate. If you suffer from high blood pressure, that is if you are hypertensive, you should receive ongoing treatment to control it. On the whole, prevention of cardiovascular disease includes early identification and treatment of the cardiovascular risk factors and taking additional preventive measures with a good diet, an exercise routine, reducing the level of psychosocial stress and periodically going to your trusted cardiologist.
