What is Coronary Artery Disease

One of the most common forms of  Cardiovascular Disease is Coronary Heart Disease, and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. Coronary Heart Disease starts when fatty material in the coronary arteries blocks the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Without adequate blood flow to the heart, people then start to feel pressure in their chest which is understandable, but also may experience pain or dull aches in the neck, jaw, left shoulder or arm. This pain is known as "angina". In a heart attack or (myocardial infarction)  clots form and completely close the blood vessel. More than 1 million Americans suffer a heart attack or myocardial infarction each year.

Prevention is key when it comes to coronary heart disease. A regular exercise program and a blanaced healthy diet will help decrease your risk for heart disease, and could even save your life AFTER a serious attack.

It is proven that exercises reduces death from heart disease. The atherosclerotic (narrowing of blood vessels due to deposits on arterial wall)  process is slowed and risk for another cardiovascular event or hospitalization is decreased.

You know that exercise can help you, but only if it is safe.

Anyone that has recently had a heart attack, have chronic angina (persistent chest pain), had a stent placed, underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, had a heart valve replaced, have chronic heart failure or received a heart transplant, your physician should refer you to a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Only 10% to 20% of people in the U.S. that need this referal to a rehibilitation program get it. Partly due to availability.

Exercise Guidlines

• Include at least a five-minute warm-up and five-minute cool-down in every exercise session to reduce the likelihood of oxygen deprivation to the heart in response to a sudden physical effort or abrupt cessation of exercise.
• Engage in moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes on most, preferably all, days of the week.
• Monitor your exercise intensity closely. Make sure to stay within your individual heart-rate zone (usually determined from a treadmill test under the supervision of a physician).
• Be cautious about engaging in vigorous physical activity. If you plan to begin a vigorous program, discuss it thoroughly with your physician. Also be sure to complete an exercise stress test first.
• Avoid strenuous activity in extreme environmental conditions. Vigorous exercise in the cold (such as snow shoveling) is associated with MI. Hot conditions require a dramatic increase in the heart’s workload. High altitude increases demands on the heart, particularly for individuals who are not acclimatized.
• Inform your trainer and physician if you have any abnormal signs or symptoms before, during or after exercise. These include chest pain, extreme fatigue, indigestion or heartburn, excessive breathlessness, ear or neck pain, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness or racing heart and severe headache.
• If prescribed, always carry your nitroglycerin with you, especially during exercise.
• Never exercise to the point of chest pain or angina. If you develop chest pain during exercise, call 911 immediately.
• Make sure the facility where you exercise is well-equipped in case of an emergency. Ask the managers if the facility has an emergency response plan and an automated external defibrillator (AED) (with staff trained on how to use it) on the premises.

Remember

Its never too late to start an exercise program or increase physical activity. Work closely with your doctor and listen to your body, both will help you exercise safely.

-Jonathan