Atherosclerosis & Coronary Artery Disease

Heart disease comes in a variety of life-threatening forms. All heart diseases are referred to as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CVDs include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, rheumatic heart disease, artery diseases, pulmonary heart disease, and congenital cardiovascular defects. Atherosclerosis comes from the Greek word - athere that means porridge and skleros meaning hardening. These words conjure up an image in our minds of exactly what happens when atherosclerosis develops in the arteries.

Healthy coronary arteries have smooth, flexible walls that provide plenty of blood to the heart. However, over many years, these flexible walls can become progressively irritated and damaged by such substance as fats, cholesterol, calcium, cellular debris, and platelets (tiny cells responsible for blood clotting). When the walls of the arteries are damaged, these substances are able to "stick" to them. Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when these coronary arteries become narrowed and clogged. Over the years this plaque gets bigger and bigger, reducing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the body's tissue. Atherosclerosis can affect arteries anywhere in the body, but most life threatening is when it blocks up the heart arteries or the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the brain.

No artery in the body is safe from atherosclerosis and may effect the heart causing heart disease as the coronary vessels are easily blocked

• the brain, causing a stroke
• the legs, causing poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease) resulting in possible gangrene
• the intestine, causing sections to die.

Scientists now know that atherosclerosis can start in childhood. Researchers have found the beginning of fatty streaks in the arteries of children as young as three years old. The average American has significant buildup in his or her arterial walls by middle age. In women, possibly because of the protective effects of estrogen, the thicker buildups do not begin to show up until after menopause.

Even without the impact of a stroke or heart attack, atherosclerosis advances the aging process. Healthy circulation in the body is the source of nutrition and life for the cells. As this circulation is slowly cut off, it impairs the functioning of your cells. Atherosclerosis does not need to be inevitable. With knowledge of the mechanisms that contribute to this disease, you can take steps to reduce your risks and to prolong your youthful vitality and energy.