What are the risks for developing coronary artery disease?

Excess weight, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and smoking are risk factors for CAD. A family history of heart disease also increases the risk of CAD, particularly a family history of heart disease at an early age (50 or younger).

To determine your CAD risk, your healthcare team can measure your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

What behaviors increase the risk of heart disease?

Your lifestyle can increase the risk of heart disease.

• A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol is linked to heart diseases and related conditions such as atherosclerosis. Additionally, excessive salt (sodium) intake can raise blood pressure.
• Insufficient physical activity can lead to heart disease. It can also increase the chances of other health conditions that are risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. It also increases triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood that can elevate the risk of heart disease.
• Women should not drink more than 1 drink per day.
• Men should not drink more than 2 drinks per day.
• Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks:
• Smoking cigarettes can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
• Nicotine raises blood pressure.
• Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of heart disease, even for non-smokers.

What is cardiac rehabilitation and recovery?

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problem that requires surgery or medical care. For these individuals, cardiac rehabilitation can help improve their quality of life and may prevent another heart event. Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program that includes:

• Physical activity
• Education about healthy living, including a healthy diet, taking medications as prescribed, and ways to help you quit smoking
• Counseling to find ways to manage stress and improve mental health

The Majamayo Team can help you with cardiac rehabilitation, including your healthcare team, exercise and nutrition specialists, physiotherapists, and counselors or mental health experts.

How can I be healthier if I have coronary artery disease?

If you have CAD, your healthcare team may suggest the following steps to help you reduce the risk of a heart attack or worsening heart disease:

• Lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet (lower sodium, less fat), increased physical activity, achieving a healthy weight, and quitting smoking
• Medications to treat risk factors for CAD, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats
• Surgical procedures that help restore blood flow to the heart.