Coronary Artery Disease Development of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease represents an obstruction or constricting (stenosis) of vessels and arteries which supplies the heart with oxygenated blood. The cause for CAD is atherosclerosis (arterial hardening), or a fatty plaque buildup on inner arterial linings. The resultant obstruction impedes blood flow across coronary arteries. The complete cut- off of blood flow leads to a heart attack (or myocardial infarction, in medical terms). CAD takes place when coronary arteries are partly obstructed or hindered, thus cutting off oxygen supply to heart muscles (i.e., myocardial ischemia). When the blockage is temporary or partial, angina (chest pain or pressure) may occur. The sudden, complete cut- off of blood flow due to the blockage leads to myocardial infarction (Milto, Costello, Davidson & Lerner, 2013).

CAD is a condition that sets it from a rather young age, a fact not many are aware of. Prior to adolescence, the walls of blood vessels start showing fat streaks. With age, this fat accumulates, injuring blood vessel walls to some extent. Proteins, calcium, inflammatory cells, cellular wastes and other substances which traverse an individual’s blood stream start sticking to vessel walls. These substances (including fat) join up with each other and form another substance – plaque. With time, the arterial interior develops plaques of varying sizes, several of which tend to be soft (internally), with a tough fibrous external "cap". The...

Platelets (i.e., disc- shaped blood particles which facilitate clotting) reach the place and clots of blood develop around the deposited plaque. Furthermore, the endothelium may get irritated and stop functioning appropriately, thereby leading to a squashing of muscular arteries at the wrong time. The above phenomenon serves to further constrict arteries (Cleveland Clinic, 2018).
Prevention

CAD prevention mostly revolves around bringing risk factors under control. My aging relative may avoid CAD onset via the following useful steps:

· Cease smoking (better still, never pick up the habit in the first place). Smoking has been regarded as a major myocardial infarction risk factor. Further, secondhand smoking must be avoided as well. My relative may resolve to stop smoking completely.

· Consume less unhealthy foods and more foods which are known for promoting heart protection. He may adopt a diet plan which encompasses low trans fats and saturated fats. Further, higher polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat consumption is recommended (i.e., consuming fish and olive oil), besides low sugar and salt, and high fiber consumption (which can be got through plant foods).

· Increase physical activity, and maintain an active lifestyle throughout. One efficient physical exercise goal is a minimum of 2.5 hours or 150 minutes of moderate exercising weekly, or 1.25 hours (i.e., 75 minutes)…