Factors leading to coronary heart disease (CHD)
What is CHD?
It is a condition that children are born with, which can affect the shape and function of the heart. It is one of the most common birth defects in the world, as 1 out of every 100 babies are born with it. Although not deadly in all cases, more than half the children born with it, are exposed to a significant risk of dying if not partaking in surgery to correct the defect. Today we are aware of 35 different types of CHD. Although it has been around for many years, little is certain about the disfunction and a cure is yet to be found. To expand on the disease itself, we must be aware that our coronary arteries narrow, causing the supply of oxygen through blood to cut short. At first the decrease in blood flow will not lead to the development of coronary artery disease however as time goes by the risk of exposure grows.
Symptoms?
Angina (chest pain): the pressure or tightness felt in chest is due to CHD. The pain is referred to as an angina and occurs in the middle of left side of the chest, close to your heart. It most often occurs when exposed to physical or psychological stress.
Shortness of breath: due to the fact that the heart cannot pump the blood and it's usual, normal speed, your supply of oxygen will decrease causing you to develop shortness of breath as well as extreme fatigue
Heart Attack: if you are not exposed to surgery as soon as possible whilst diagnosed, it may lead to your arteries becoming completely blocked which then leads to heart attack.
Some other, minor symptoms that occur would be related to poor feeding, decrease in weight as well as short and fast breaths.
Causes/Risk factors?
Coronary artery disease usually begins with damage in the inner part of your arteries. Although acquired during childhood certain factors increase the risk;
-smoking
-high blood pressure
-high cholesterol
-diabetes
-unhealthy lifestyles
-age (the older you get, higher the risk)
-sex (men have greater risk)
-family history
-obesity (excess weight)
When the inner wall of the artery is damaged the plaques otherwise known as fatty deposits made out of cholesterol and other waste products accumulate at the site of the injury and begin a process known as atherosclerosis. This leads to blocked arteries which lead to heart attack.
Caption for picture: 'development of atherosclerosis'
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