Coronary diseases: most effective dietary supplements

Coronary artery diseases, or coronary heart disease, are conditions affecting the coronary arteries, the essential vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood. They are characterized by a narrowing or blockage of these arteries due to the accumulation of atheromatous plaques (deposits of cholesterol, inflammatory cells, and other substances) on their walls. This phenomenon, called atherosclerosis, reduces blood flow to the heart, leading to complications such as ischemia (lack of oxygen) and, in severe cases, myocardial infarction.

Risk factors

Coronary artery disease results from several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that promote the development of atherosclerosis: • High blood pressure: Damages the arterial walls and facilitates plaque accumulation. • High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") promote atheromatous deposits. • Smoking: Worsens atherosclerosis and increases the risk of clot formation. • Diabetes: Alters the arterial walls and increases the risk of atherosclerosis. • Sedentary lifestyle: Contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. • Abdominal obesity: Promotes metabolic imbalances associated with coronary artery disease. • Advanced age: Increased risk after 45 years in men and 55 years in women. • Genetic predisposition: A family history of coronary disease increases individual risk.

Symptoms

The manifestations of coronary artery disease vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include: • Angina: A sensation of pressure or burning in the chest, which may radiate to the arm, neck, or jaw. • Shortness of breath: Indicates heart failure or insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. • Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeats. • Excessive fatigue: Especially during physical exertion. • Nausea or vomiting: Sometimes associated with a heart attack.

Causes

Coronary artery disease mainly originates from atherosclerosis, a process promoted by factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Chronic inflammation of the arterial walls and genetics also contribute to the formation of atheromatous plaques. In some cases, coronary spasms or inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels can cause these conditions.

Treatment

Management of coronary artery disease is based on combined strategies aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Smoking cessation, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management are essential. Commonly prescribed medications: • Statins reduce LDL cholesterol levels. • Beta-blockers decrease the heart's oxygen demand. • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors lower blood pressure. • Anticoagulants prevent clot formation. In cases where medical treatments are not sufficient to restore adequate blood flow, surgical or mechanical interventions may be necessary to treat coronary obstructions: • Coronary angioplasty, used to open blocked arteries, may include stent placement. • Coronary artery bypass grafting involves bypassing blocked areas using blood vessels taken from elsewhere in the body.