Health Promotion in Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is a serious heart condition. The coronary arteries carry nutrients, blood and oxygen to the heart, so damage impairs blood flow, leading to serious heart problems like heart attack. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle choices can improve and even prevent this condition.

Managing Other Health Problems

• Certain health problems put you at risk and compound the problems of coronary artery disease; managing these problems will improve overall health. The most important include maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol and keeping blood sugar under control for diabetics.

Exercise and Weight Control

• Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can reduce the risk factors of coronary heart disease. Ideally, you should exercise for 30 to 60 minutes several days a week, but do not start a program without talking to your doctor first, according to the Mayo Clinic. You especially need to consider weight loss if your waist measures over 40 inches for a man and 35 for a woman.

Heart Healthy Diet

• Plaque buildup from high-fat, high-cholesterol foods are the main culprit for artery damage. You must cut back your intake of these foods. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and one or two servings of fish weekly. Aim for 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily.

Stress Reduction

• Stress can increase blood pressure and increase your risk for heart attack; the Mayo Clinic recommends stress-reduction techniques like muscle relaxation and deep breathing.

Quit Smoking

• Tobacco narrows arteries and increases the risk of heart attack. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs if you cannot quit on your own.