Dr. Tom Moore

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The coronary arteries supply blood flow and hence oxygen to the heart muscle. Disease of the arteries results in lack of oxygen supply to heart muscle which can result in a heart attack or death.

The most common symptoms of arterial compromise are chest pain which may radiate to the left arm plus shortness of breadth.

There are several risk factors for heart disease most of which can be controlled by our lifestyle:

• Family history.We cannot modify this but we can control the other factors thus reducing the risk
• Smoking - probably the most aggresive factor especially in males
• High cholesterol.This is sometimes genetic and may require medication to lower it.However it is increased by a diet high in dairy products and eggs
• Obesity increases the risk of a heart attack
• Lack of exercise

So ideally one should maintain ones weight within the normal range,have a low cholesterol diet,avoid smoking and do some moderate exercise.

In my opinion the major factor in all illness including heart disease is STRESS...we will discuss this at a later date.

Dr Tom Moore
The Clinic
Kinnegad
Co Westmeath
Tel 0449375289