Alternative Health: Primary Coronary Heart Disease Prevention
Primary coronary heart disease prevention can be a challenge in todays world. We live in an America that is facing what some call an obesity epidemic. It just so happens that obesity increases your risk of suffering coronary heart disease. It also just so happens that America is facing what could be called a heart disease epidemic with hundreds of thousands dying from heart disease each year. The numbers are so high they are beginning to put cigarettes to shame.
Coronary heart disease is defined as the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When the arteries get narrow enough, thanks to cholesterol or fat deposits, the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients slows and can even stop. If the latter happens, a heart attack occurs.
Prevention Specifics
If you think you might be at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), then you should think about talking to your doctor. However, in the meantime, its a good idea to avoid doing things that will encourage cholesterol and fat from being deposited in your arteries. You can do this a few ways. First, dont smoke. Second, avoid foods high in fat and/or cholesterol. Retool your diet to include fruits and vegetables. Its not a bad idea to consult with a dietitian to make sure your diet is healthy in other ways, too.
Doctors have been saying for years that eating right and exercising regularly is good for keeping a body healthy. Avoiding CHD is part of keeping your body healthy. Keeping your weight at a reasonable level for your body type can also help prevent CHD. Also, managing stress helps reduce your risk, too. However, these last methods are more along the lines of secondary coronary heart disease prevention.