Coronary Artery Disease Research Paper

Coronary artery disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is often fatal because there is no cure once someone has it. There are treatment options and preventative measures that can be taken that help lessen the risk of fatalities caused by it though. Because of this, it is important that those who are at risk for the disease know the following important information about it.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease refers to the build up of plaque and fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries. It is caused by a person having an unhealthy lifestyle. Those who smoke and drink excessively while eating a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats have the highest risk of getting it. However,

Since there are no initial symptoms of this disease until the blood flow is restricted or completely blocked in an artery, it is an emergency situation once the symptoms finally begin. So the best thing that a person should do if this happens is take a baby aspirin, then immediately call an ambulance.

No one should ever wait because every minute counts with a heart attack. If the blood flow is restricted for too long, it will cause the heart muscle to die. Blood flow to the brain can also be blocked. Or a piece of the fat or plaque deposits could break off from the pressure of the blood behind it. If this happens, it could cause a stroke.

How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?

There are several tests that a doctor can perform to see if a person has this condition. The first one that is done is an electrocardiogram. It checks the electrical activity of the heart. If there are any problems with the way that the heart is functioning, they will be noticeable right away with this test. Doctors also commonly order a sonogram of the heart. This test allows them to see inside it without having to perform

That means, a small camera is inserted into the artery to take a better look at what is going on inside. If a block is found, the doctor will insert a stent at this time.

What is the Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease?

The first line of defense against this disease is to have the person make some changes to their diet. Red, fatty cuts of meat, sugary treats, and junk food all have to be eliminated. Caffeinated beverages need to be avoided as well, since they constrict the blood vessels and raise a person's blood pressure. Any smoking or drinking habits have to be stopped right away too.

Most doctors also recommend that people with this disease start exercising regularly. A simple walking program is usually sufficient enough, but yoga is also helpful because it aids in decreasing high levels of stress that are damaging to the heart.

The medications that are prescribed for coronary artery disease vary from person-to-person. However, it is common for patients to receive a blood thinner to prevent clots from forming and medications to reduce the plaque and fatty deposits and keep blood pressure levels healthy. If the cholesterol levels are high, then a person will also need medications to lower