Coronary artery blockages occur when blood vessels supplying the heart become obstructed, increasing the risk of heart attack. Symptoms include chest pain, cold sweats, and difficulty breathing. Lifestyle changes and medical procedures can help prevent blockages.
A coronary artery blockage, also called atherosclerosis, occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are blocked or obstructed. This type of blockage dramatically increases the risk of heart attack, a leading cause of death in both men and women. Many coronary artery blockages are the result of coronary artery disease. Signs of coronary heart disease include chest pain or pressure, cold sweats, and difficulty breathing. People experiencing any of these symptoms should see a doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. Those who are at risk for coronary artery disease should be careful about making diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of a coronary artery blockage.
Coronary arteries are those blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. The names of the three main coronary arteries are left anterior ascending, circumflex, and right coronary. Each artery supplies blood to a different part of the heart. The left artery supplies blood to the front of the heart, the circumflex to the back, and the right coronary artery to the bottom. If a coronary artery blockage occurs in one of these arteries, serious consequences could result, including severe chest pain, a heart attack, or even death.
As a person ages, fatty deposits can be left behind on the walls of the coronary arteries. In some people, these deposits can get thicker and contribute to blockage of the arteries. Eventually, the fatty deposits cause waste and other cells to stick to the artery wall. Over time, the outside of these deposits can also become hard. Hardened deposits, called plaque, can interfere with blood flow to the heart, causing a partial blockage of the coronary artery.
If the hard shell of the plaque were to crack or crack, the body would try to seal the fissure. To do this, blood platelets can stick to the crack and to each other to seal the break. This is called a blood clot. The clot can completely block the coronary artery. Without adequate blood flow, the heart can be deprived of oxygen.
Without the right amount of oxygen, the heart will suffer. In the case of a partial coronary artery blockage, a person may feel chest tightness or chest pain if they do heavy work or are stressed. This happens because blood cannot pass through the artery to supply the heart with adequate oxygen. If the artery becomes completely blocked, blood cannot pass at all, which can lead to a heart attack.
In order to prevent coronary artery blockage, a person should live a lifestyle that reduces their risk. High cholesterol is a major risk factor, so eating foods that are low in cholesterol can help keep blockages at bay. Procedures such as balloon angioplasty can be used to push fat deposits out. Medications can also be prescribed by a doctor. A doctor can recommend activities, such as exercise programs and other lifestyle options to keep the risk of coronary artery blockage low.
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