There are many diseases that affect the heart—some affect the heart’s blood vessels, the heart’s valves, or they might cause heart rhythm problems. Most often, we use the term “heart disease” to describe coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels around the heart.

What does CAD feel like?

• Chest Pain

• Shortness of Breath

• Numbness or Pain in Left Arm

• Jaw Numbness or Pain

If you feel any of these while exerting yourself, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If you feel these while resting, it may be a sign of a heart attack and you should seek medical attention immediately.

What increases the risk of CAD?

• High Blood Pressure (Diabetes)

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• Family History of CAD

• High Cholesterol

• Smoking

• Increased Age

• Stress

• Physical Inactivity

• Poor Diet

• Excessive Alcohol Intake

• Obesity (Being Overweight)

What can you do to reduce your risk?

• Quit Smoking: talk to your doctor about what program or option would be best for you

• Increase Physical Activity: it’s recommended that you do 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week; this includes things like brisk walking, gardening, biking, water aerobics, etc

• Eat a Heart Healthy Diet: the Mediterranean or DASH diet are considered to be heart healthy and focus on things like fruits, vegetables, and fish (walnuts are also very heart healthy)

• Lose Weight: focus on the types of foods you eat, the portions, and when you are eating in order to see the best results—talk to your doctor to find out more

• Limit Alcohol Intake: no alcohol is best, but reducing the number and frequency of drinking alcohol is a step in the right direction