Coronary artery disease (CAD) in the elderly is a common condition, more cases are expected as the world’s population continues to age. The condition accounts for over a quarter of deaths among men and women.
In coronary artery disease, plaques are formed along the inner walls of the arteries, making them more rigid and stiff – normally, arteries are smooth and flexible. As a result, blood flow becomes restricted, which can starve the heart of oxygen. If the plaque ruptures, it could lead to a heart attack or sudden cardiac death.
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The good news is, you don’t need to fall victim to coronary artery disease, as there are natural prevention tips that can help improve artery health and natural remedies that can lower your risk of complications associated with CAD.
Coronary artery disease prevention and natural remedies
Lifestyle changes play a large role in the development of coronary artery disease. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are the first two preventative steps you can take to lower your risk of CAD.
Exercise helps keep the heart strong, thus protecting it from damage. Diet is essential to CAD because what you eat contributes to plaque formation in the arteries. Nutrition can also play a role in other ailments that can damage the arteries and heart, affecting cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and diabetes. Eating well and exercising regularly can help control these other factors to lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
Foods you should eat to prevent CAD include plant-based foods, high-fiber foods, nuts, olive oils, and fatty fish. Foods you should avoid are trans fats found in baked goods, whole milk, sour cream, fatty meat cuts, foods rich in saturated fats, processed food, fried food, and take-out food.
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Other prevention tips include not smoking, minimizing your alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Knowing your risks is also important, and your doctor can help you identify them. If you have a family history of coronary artery disease, your risk is higher, which means you should really take the necessary steps to protect your heart and arteries. Also, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol, these are other contributing factors that need to be well managed. The good news is, the same steps that can help you reduce your risk of coronary artery disease can work wonders on these conditions as well.
By following the directions of your doctor and incorporating these healthy lifestyle habits into your life, you can lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
