What Causes Coronary Vascular Disease?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, vascular disease is an umbrella term uses for a group of problems that affect your blood vessels. Coronary vascular disease is associated with dysfunctions related to the blood supply to the heart. Coronary heart disease occurs when arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed by fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). The Mayo Clinic says the term "heart disease" is frequently used in reference to cardiovascular disease.There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk of coronary vascular disease.

Atherosclerosis

• The tern cardiovascular disease is frequently used to refer to damage to your heart or blood vessels by atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most widespread cause of cardiovascular disease.

  Atherosclerosis is often caused by smoking, obesity, a diet lacking in nutritious foods and an inadequate amount of exercise.

High Cholesterol

• The American Heart Association (AHA) says one of the primary risk factors associated with coronary vascular disease is high cholesterol. The AHA says someone with total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL is more susceptible to coronary vascular disease than a person with total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, despite the fact that any number that exceeds 240 is considered high-risk.

Other Modifiable Risks

• If you smoke, try to quit. The AHA says smokers are up to four times more likely than nonsmokers to develop coronary heart disease Exposure to secondhand smoke increases a nonsmoker's risk of heart disease.

  High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder and that increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause heart failure and stroke.

  Diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Fixed Risks

• The AHA says the majority of people (83 percent) who die of coronary heart disease are at least 65 years old. Men are more prone to heart attacks than women are. If one or both of your parents suffered from heart problems, you are at an increased risk of developing coronary vascular disease.

Treatment

• The treatment options available for coronary vascular disease depend on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will most likely recommend lifestyle alterations that may include eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet including lots of vegetables, and getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least five days per week.

  Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or beta blockers.

  In more severe cases of coronary vascular disease, surgery (coronary angioplasty) to clear the blockages in your heart may be necessary.