Coronary heart disease, also known as ischaemic heart disease is the commonest form of heart disease and the single most important cause of premature death in the developed world.
It is a disease of the coronary arteries which are the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood and oxygen to the tissues of the heart. It manifests with symptoms of chest pain and palpitations. There could be swelling of the legs due to heart failure and in some cases it may lead to sudden death.
But are there things we could do to prevent developing coronary heart disease. Certainly yes! Here are some things you could do to insure yourself against the disease.
- Avoid tobacco smoking – tobacco is the most important avoidable cause of coronary heart disease
- Reduce your cholesterol intake – cholesterol is found in foods like eggs, butter and certain oils. High levels in the blood predispose to the disease
- Increase your physical activity – a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle predisposes to coronary artery disease. Regular exercise is prescribed
- Stay away from heavy drinking – heavy drinking is associated with hypertension and other cardiac events which may lead to the development of coronary artery disease
Taking these four precautions will go a long way in helping you prevent coronary heart disease.
I love you and God bless you.
– Dr. deji oyembamiji
3 Comments
Christian
Dr. Deji,
Thank you for this information. I have 2 questions:
1. I usually see an advert that says “Eat an egg per day”. Will you consider that too much or just okay?
2. I hear people say that if i eat a lot meat, it can also increase my cholesterol level. Is this true? How do i know when i’m taking too much of these things.
Dr. Deji Oyebamiji
Taking eggs and Meat.
An egg consists of basically 2 parts. The egg white and the yoke. The egg white is rich in protein while the yoke contains Iron and cholesterol among otherf things. For the young and growing an egg a day may well meet your protein needs and the cholesterol may not raise the levels in the blood to lethal proprotions but in the elderly, at about 50 years and above which is an age group more susceptible to the disease, I will advise a reduction in the amount of egg intake.
Not all kinds of meat have high cholesterol levels. Red meat in particular is the kind of meat with the highest cholesterol levels and should be avoided if you are already susceptible to developing the disease or you have it already. Chicken and fish would be very good substitutes.
Christian
Thank you Dr. Deji,
I have a broader understanding now.
God bless you.