How Does Coronary Artery Disease Affect the Digestive System?
Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease is the result of atherosclerosis, or fatty deposits built up on the walls of the arteries. The arteries carry the blood supply to the heart. This supply of blood is rich in oxygen and nutrients, necessary for proper heart function. When the walls narrow, the blood flow slows down or stops. The result is chest pain, shortness of breath, or a possible heart attack. Coronary artery disease is a slow, progressive disease that can go undetected for decades. To prevent the disease, it is important to eat healthy foods that are void of heavy fat and to exercise daily. It is also important to keep weight within normal ranges for your height and age. Some people are at higher risk because of family history, diabetes, smoking, alcohol abuse and a stressful lifestyle. Aorta If blood is not flowing correctly to the heart, other circulatory areas are affected, as well. The aorta is the large artery that supplies vessels with blood that is pumped from