We all know our body has a coronary artery. Now the question is, what is the purpose of the coronary artery? Well, the first answer to this question is that this vessel is essential. Without it, most of our organs will not be working as they should because it does an excellent job for our hearts.
Alright, back to the question, what purpose does the coronary artery serve?
The coronary artery is a transport system. It helps to transport blood rich in oxygen to the heart muscle. The heart cannot function properly when this supply is cut off. Again, this artery also helps to move blood away from the heart.
Alright, I have provided a direct answer to what the coronary artery does. And I hope you now understand how vital this artery is. I will like to add that there are other things I would like you to know about the coronary artery. Read to figure them out.
Coronary Artery: The Different Types You Should Know
Humans have two main types of coronary arteries. And both of them are equally important. Their mission, as I earlier pointed out, is to give the heart what it needs to function well.
They provide it with oxygen-rich blood to keep it going.
As I said, we humans have two primary types of coronary arteries:
Left main coronary artery – LMCA:
It is the main artery providing oxygen-rich blood to the left side of your heart muscle. That is what it does.
Right coronary artery – RCA:
This coronary artery does the same thing as the first. It provides oxygen-rich blood to the right atrium, right ventricle, among others.
Another thing you need to know about the right and left coronary artery is that they both come divided into different types.
Why Is The Coronary Artery That Relevant?
Let me make this easy; this artery is essential. It supplies nutrients and oxygen to your heart muscle. It keeps it healthy and alive!
Medical practitioners around the world are aware of the grave danger patients with coronary artery-related issues are in. When there is a disorder or disease (damage to the artery), one’s life will be at risk.
You may have heard about CAD (coronary artery disease) or read about it on the pages of the newspaper but did not pay much attention. But let me tell you, the next time you come across write-ups relating to coronary artery disease, just read till the end.
CAD is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. It can lead to heart attack and sudden death. And the painful thing about this disease is that it does not give warning signs.
It just strikes, and before you know it, the victim is gone.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Things You Need To Understand
I have already made mention of how devastating CAD can be. But there is nothing wrong revisiting on the topic again. Many people in the world over are suffering from this disease, so it is worth discussing.
But the unfortunate thing is that it does not give a warning sign. That is why it is difficult for people to know.
CAD or coronary artery disease is a disease that results from the gradual buildup of cholesterol and fat in an individual’s arteries. The deposits are also known as plagues.
These plagues that builds-up in the arteries do so gradually until they become severe. In this case, a more significant part of the artery that supplies blood to the heart will become blocked severely.
Now when this happens, the heart will not be getting the same volume of blood it used to get. And as a consequence, the individual suffering from this conduction can develop chest pain. A heart attack may also result.
Again, larger-sized plagues blocking the arteries are not what should scare you. Plagues that are of moderate sizes can also become life-threatening.
The primary thing that causes this is inflammation. When a plague is inflamed and ruptures, its top will prevent blood from flowing to the heart.
And at the site where the injury occurred, the liquid fat can make the blood clot. Thus, the artery is completely blocked and can no longer transport blood to the heart.
Coronary Artery Disease: Mortality Rate In The USA
Heart disease is always very severe. That is because the heart is a vital organ. You can see that when the heart is not getting enough blood supply as it should, a severe problem is bound to happen.
This disease has sent many to the grave. And like I said a thousand times in this post, the warning signs are negligible. But whenever it wants to strike, it does it with full force.
Heart diseases can affect anyone, both men and women. It can also affect people of all age groups. The disease has also resulted in the death of 700,000 people in the United States America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Risk Factors Of Coronary Artery Diseases
Some things increase one’s chances of developing CAD. Let’s list and explain each of them.
1. Age
We all know that with age comes numerous ailment, and CAD is one of them. As one grows old, the chance of having a narrowed or damaged artery increases.
2. Smoking
Smokers are liable to develop heart diseases. Even those inhaling their smokes are not left out. And both young and old smokers are at high risk.
3. High cholesterol levels in the blood
When one has high blood cholesterol, the chances of plagues developing is high.
4. Family history
Family history is also another risk factor. If your dad or brother had heart disease before they get to 55 years of age, the chances are that you may have it. Also, if your mother or sister had the condition before reaching 65 years of age, your risk of developing it is equally high.
5. High blood pressure
This condition can also increase one’s chances of developing heart disease. High blood pressure thickens the artery and makes the vessel where the blood passes to be narrower. And of course, you should know the result when this happens.
6. Obesity or being overweight
Everyone knows being obese predisposes a person to several life-threatening conditions, and CAD is one of them.
7. Lack of physical activity
Alright, if you have not been engaging in physical activities, you better start doing so right from this moment. A sedentary lifestyle can increase one’s chances of developing CAD.
8. Alcohol usage
Are you a heavy drinker? Know that excess consumption of alcohol can damage the muscle of your heart. It can also make other coronary heart disease risk factors to become worse.
So, all these are CAD risk factors. And they are things you and I can avoid by taking a bold step. You also need to start doing the right thing. Go through the various risk factors and avoid falling into any of them.
How Can You Prevent Possible Damage To Coronary Artery? Steps To Avoid CAD
You can keep coronary artery disease at bay if you do things right. You need to lead a healthy life and maintain good health. Here are the steps to take:
- Stop smoking cigarettes, whether shisha or whatever it is.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyles. Start engaging in physical activities.
- Manage and lower your stress levels. Never overwork yourself for any reason.
- Obesity is the mother of several life-threatening conditions. So you have to keep on maintaining a healthy weight.
- Control other conditions that can increase your risk of CAD. And this includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol (LDL) levels.
- Avoid excess consumption of alcohol. You can abstain totally or make it moderate. Total abstinence is the best.
- Visit your doctor often to check the state of your health.
You should also stay far from trans and saturated fats. They can clog your artery before you know it. The following foods have high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol, so they are dangerous.
- Processed and packaged foods
- Pastries, cakes, and pies
- Biscuits and cookies
- Vegetable shortening
- Regularly eating fried foods.
So these are the foods you should avoid to improve the health of your coronary artery and heart.
Foods That Can Cleanse Your Coronary Artery
Foods are there to nourish our bodies when consumed. They also provide us with energy to carry out day to day activities. However, some foods can help you stay safe.
These foods help you clean the artery and prevent any possible occurrence of heart disease. So, below are foods you need to start eating to boost heart health.
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Turmeric
- Olive oil
- Watermelon
- Whole grain
- Spinach
Conclusion
To crown the question, “What is the purpose of the coronary artery?”Let me state clearly that the coronary artery plays an essential role in the body. It helps to provide nutrients, blood, and oxygen that the heart needs to stay alive and active. Without this artery, the heart will not function well. So, we need to do everything possible to prevent damage to our coronary artery.
You May Like These Articles As Well:
