Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The most common type and a major cause of death is coronary artery disease or blockage. In the past, it was mostly found in the elderly, but nowadays, even young working-age adults or teenagers are at high risk of heart disease. The main cause is often lifestyle behaviors and negligence, as people perceive their external body to be strong and therefore neglect self-care and never undergo ‘heart health check-ups’.
What factors cause coronary artery disease?
The main factors or causes of coronary artery disease can be divided into two main parts:
- Uncontrollable factors such as age, genetics, or congenital abnormalities
- Controllable factors which include lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, exercise, and stress, as well as smoking, partying with alcohol, and not managing related chronic diseases. These are factors we can control or adjust ourselves.
Why do these behaviors increase the risk of coronary artery disease?
- Eating high-fat foods
Leads to fat accumulation that clogs blood vessels, causing insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of ischemic heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks and death.
- Smoking
Toxins in cigarettes damage the endothelial cells of coronary arteries, causing hardened arteries, thickened vessel walls, and platelets clumping on the vessel walls.
- Stress
When stressed, the heart works harder, beats faster, and blood pressure rises. Frequent stress negatively affects coronary arteries and may cause arrhythmias.
- Lack of exercise
Regular exercise strengthens the heart and prepares it for heavy workloads. Without exercise, the heart cannot endure heavy work and may fail when required to work hard.
- Poor control of diabetes and obesity
Patients with these conditions are already at risk for heart disease. High blood fat thickens the blood, causing easy vessel blockage. Very high blood sugar damages blood vessels, leading to ischemic heart disease.
To reduce the risk of coronary artery disease or sudden cardiac arrest, we should all prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, choosing nutritious foods, avoiding overly sweet, salty, and fatty foods, maintaining a cheerful mind, avoiding stress, and exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week. Additionally, regularly undergoing ‘heart health check-ups’ is important because early detection of risk conditions allows timely treatment without waiting for symptoms to appear.
Dr. Chayut Cheewapruk
Cardiologist
Heart Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
