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Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the biggest killer of males in
the United Kingdom. It's primarily caused when the hearts arteries become
clogged by fatty deposits. As a result the blood flow from the heart reduces
and can actual clot (thrombus). This over time will lead to a heart attack
(myocardial infarction or MI).
The risk of developing CHD increases with age (over 45 years old),
if you are a male or if there is a family history of heart difficulties.
That said, the increase of CHD over the past 20 years can be attributed
to 3 major lifestyle changes.
• Poor diet
• Lack of activity
• Smoking
Overeating in general will result in obesity. This factor will increase
the amount of cholesterol within the body. It is this 'fatty deposit' which
lines the arteries, hardens and leads to the development of CHD.
What can we do: Reduce the amount of fatty foods we eat and only eat when
we feel hunger.
Developing a basic exercise program (walking, jogging, swimming etc) increases
the amount of 'good' cholesterol within the body. This substance attacks
the harmful fatty acids which is then deposited via human waste.
It is estimated that every cigarette steals 7 minutes from the smokers life!
Smokers suffer more heart attacks than nonsmokers (by 5 times!).
Smokers have a reduced capacity to deliver oxygen around the body. This
coupled with a poor diet and high cholesterol levels increases the chance
of developing a thrombus, and consequently a heart attack.
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