The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established that about 8% of Americans aged 20 and above have CAD. Moreover, nearly 2 out of 10 Americans who die from CAD are adults below 65. Life Imaging Fla. provides diagnostic services if you suspect you have early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). These signs can include tightness in the chest, difficulty catching your breath and weariness.
You might also suffer a heart attack. That often results when the coronary artery is prevented from supplying blood rich in oxygen and other nutrients to the heart.
If you are a woman, you can experience other less popular signs associated with heart attacks. These include pain from the jaw or neck and an urge to vomit. Remember that sometimes, heart attacks may not have warning signs. Below are factors that can increase your chances of having coronary artery disease.
Aging
Coronary artery disease begins with the collection of cholesterol, fat, and other materials on the linings of the heart’s arteries. As a result, those arteries become constricted, reducing or preventing blood passage.
When aged 65 or older, your heart’s arteries become more at risk of accumulating substantial deposits of fats and cholesterols. Moreover, postural hypotension and high blood pressure are more prevalent among older people.
For instance, postural hypotension is characterized by a sudden decrease in blood pressure. It occurs when you move from sitting or lying down to standing.
Gender
Boys are at higher risk of developing coronary artery disease from a young age than girls. Also, more men than women are generally prone to coronary artery disease.
A possible explanation for that occurrence is that most men may be smokers and are highly likely to be affected by stress. High-stress levels can trigger high blood pressure.
Furthermore, you may be less likely to get CAD as a woman because you usually go for medical checkups before menopause. That is why the risk of a woman getting CAD increases past menopause.
Diabetes
Exposing your blood vessels to high blood glucose levels for an extended period can disfigure them. Additionally, if you have high blood sugar, it raises your risk of developing conditions that can trigger coronary artery disease.
For example, high blood pressure elevates the force of your blood as it passes through your arteries. Consequently, the artery walls can get destroyed with time.
Physical inactivity
When you are physically inactive, you do not burn the excess fat in the different organs of your body. Excess fat buildup in your arteries can clog them, leading to coronary artery disease. According to the New York State Department of Health, about 35% of coronary artery deaths result from physical inactivity.
Ensure you regularly perform moderate and vigorous activities such as dancing, walking, swimming, and jumping rope.
Other issues can also make you at risk of CAD. These include excessive intake of alcohol regularly, lack of adequate sleep, unhealthy stress levels, poor nutrition, and being obese.
Contact Life Imaging Fla today to schedule an appointment for professional diagnostic imaging services if you suspect you have heart disease.
