Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque can harden or rupture, causing a heart attack, angina (chest pain), or other problems. CAD often has no symptoms in the early stages. You may develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs as it progresses. These symptoms usually occur when your heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. This article will go over some tips to help you prevent coronary artery disease. Ensure you see a cardiologist experienced in treating coronary artery disease in Plano once you notice any symptoms. Read on for more information.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the best ways to prevent CAD is to eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It also limits unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your blood pressure under control. All of these things can help reduce your risk of CAD.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is another great way to prevent CAD. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, lowers your cholesterol levels, and keeps your blood pressure under control. It also makes your heart muscle stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. If you can’t fit in 30 minutes all at once, you can break it up into smaller chunks of time throughout the day.
- Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your heart health. It increases your risk of CAD, heart attack, stroke, and other problems. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart is to quit. Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, so talk to your doctor about what might work best for you.
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes, it’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can damage your arteries and increase your risk of CAD. You can manage your blood sugar by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking diabetes medications if necessary.
- Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress can take a toll on your heart health. It can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and make it challenging to stick to a healthy lifestyle. If you’re stressed, there are several things you can do to manage it. You can try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. You can also try exercises such as walking or biking.
In summary, the best way to prevent CAD is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, control your cholesterol levels, manage your blood pressure, monitor your blood sugar levels, and reduce your stress levels. Taking these steps can help you keep your heart healthy and reduce your CAD risk.