Pre-mature coronary artery disease of the heart

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common type of heart disease characterized by the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle due to the build up of plaque (atherosclerosis) within the arteries of the heart. CAD is the most common type of heart disease and remains the leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in over 3,50,000 deaths annually.

Premature Coronary Artery Disease (P-CAD) refers to the occurrence of CAD in males under 45 years of age and in females under 55 years, due to atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries of the heart. . Research indicates that South Asians, both in their home countries and among immigrant communities worldwide, present with P-CAD at an earlier age than other ethnic groups.

Globally P-CAD represents a significant burden and a crucial public health challenge. Alarmingly, more than four-fifths (80%) of those who present themselves with P-CAD have at least one modifiable risk factor. Therefore, this article is meant for everyone to get aware on how they can reduce their future risk of CAD which can lead to varying symptoms from just reversible chest pain on exertion (Angina Pectoris) to deadly heart attacks. Adding gravity to this problem, around 30% to 40% of the individuals do not survive their first heart attack signifying the importance of awareness for prevention of this deadly disease.

Common Risk Factors for CAD:

Risk factors for CAD are divided into two major groups. Non-Modifiable & Modifiable.

NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:

1. Age
2. Male gender
3. Ethnicity (e.g. South Asians)
4. Family history of P-CAD or Diabetes
5. Certain genetic diseases

MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:

1. Diabetes Mellitus or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (Prediabetes)
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
3. Dyslipidemia (Abnormal Cholesterol levels)
4. Central Obesity
5. Physical Inactivity
6. Smoking
7. Stress

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PREVENTING EARLY CORONARY ARTERY & OTHER ATHEROCLEROTIC VASCULAR DISEASES.

• BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE:

Engage in at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise per week like swimming or running. This is mandatory to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease in healthy individuals without any chronic disease.

• DAILY FRUITS & VEGETABLES:

Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet. These natural anti-oxidants (blood cleaners) help eliminate free radicals in the body which cause inflammation, atherosclerotic vascular disease & cancers.

• MINIMISE THE USE OF PROCESSED FOODS ,SPICES AND SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES:

Limit the intake of processed food, artificial sugars, rice and white flour, as these can lead to insulin resistance in the body which is a precursor of eight major diseases including Hypertension, Diabetes, CAD, Stroke and Cancers.

• CONTROL WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE: There is enough evidence that keeping waist below 40 inches (for males) & below 35 inches (for females) OR keeping waist-to-hip ratio below 1.0 for males and below 0.85 for females reduces the risk for metabolic & cardiovascular disease.
• SAY "NO" TO SMOKING & TOBACCO: Avoid all forms of tobacco to protect heart health.
• MONITOR BLOOD PRESSURE & BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS.

Even if the high sugar or high BP do not cause any symptoms , they need to be checked and maintained with strict compliance.

• PERIODIC SCREENING TESTS FOR DIABETES & CHOLESTEROL:

Individuals over 30 years of age should undergo annual screening for diabetes and cholesterol levels.

• ENSURE REGULAR SLEEP: Aim for 6-9 Hours of uninterrupted sleep to support overall health.
• MANAGE STRESS:

Avoid over thinking. Employ techniques such as exercise, meditation, rituals, psychological training & behavioral therapies to cope with stress effectively.

• BE SOCIAL:

Finally, the most important and most neglected one is to remain in healthy & happy relationships. Avoid over-working and balance the work with some quality time with family & friends to get relaxed & refreshed.

By understanding and addressing these risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their likelihood of developing premature coronary artery disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health.