Primary prevention Coronary artery disease
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of cardiovascular disease, in which the arteries, that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients narrow. This build-up of plaque is called atherosclerosis, and is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, age, and medical history.
Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease
Primary prevention of coronary artery disease is a collective approach to managing cardiovascular risks through lifestyle and medication. Lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help prevent heart disease, as well as reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Medication may also be prescribed, such as statins and aspirin, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Primary Prevention of CAD
Adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of heart disease prevention. The following lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of CAD:
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Staying active and exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Limiting the consumption of alcohol and tobacco
Making these lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
Medications for Primary Prevention of CAD
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications may be prescribed for primary prevention of CAD. Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, and are recommended for people with risk factors that increase their risk of CAD. Aspirin is also commonly prescribed for people at high risk of heart attack or stroke.
It is important to talk to a healthcare professional about which medications and lifestyle changes are right for you. Working together, you can create a plan that can help reduce your risk of coronary artery disease.