The most common disease of the heart is called coronary artery disease. This
disease is also known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Coronary
arteries provide oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart to keep it pumping
strongly. Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can build up inside the coronary
arteries. When the build-up of plaque narrows the arteries so much that only
a small amount of blood can flow through to the heart, chest pain (also known
as angina) can occur. Sometimes, a blood clot will completely block the blood
flow to a coronary artery causing a heart attack – a true medical emergency.
You can reduce your risk of developing heart disease by understanding the risk
factors that can cause it and by making the necessary changes. At least 80%
of Canadians have at least one risk factor. The more risk factors you have,
the greater your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.
Risk factors you can't change:
There are some risk factors you can't change. However, you should know
about them and how they might affect your health.
- Family history – Your risk is higher if any of your
immediate family members (mother, father, sibling child) have had a heart
attack (especially before the age of 65 in women and 55 in men) or if they
have high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
- Age – As you grow older, your chances of developing
heart disease increases. Men over 45 years and women over 55 years or who
have finished menopause are at an increased risk for heart disease.
- Gender – Men have a higher risk than women. Unfortunately,
the benefit of being female is lost after menopause, when the risk becomes
the same as for men.
Risk factors you can change:
Your heart health depends a lot on the lifestyle you choose. If you're aware
of the risk factors you can change, you can make changes that will help reduce
your risk of developing heart disease.
Additional resources
Healthy Heart Kit: helping your patients reduce the risk – Public Health
Agency of Canada
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
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