Following a healthy and wholesome diet, incorporating certain specific foods in to your daily menu, exercising regularly and handling stress effectively, can help you cope with cardiac disorders and also ward off the occurrence of an infarction.

What is Coronary Heart Disease or CHD?

CHD develops when a combination of fatty material, calcium and accumulates in the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Through the coronary arteries, the muscles of the heart are provided with oxygen and other vital nutrients.

The plaque deposit narrows the arteries; hence, the heart does not get adequate blood. This results in angina or chest pain. If the plaque blocks the blood flow entirely, it would cause a heart attack.

What Causes CHD?: Causes of Coronary Heart Disease

The cause of coronary heart disease is multi-factorial. The following are the important causes:s

• Heredity factors are responsible for the development of cardiovascular disorders
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco
• Obesity is a leading risk factor for development of cononary heart disease
• Erratic lifestyle
• Dietary errors with high intake of processed foods increase the risk of cononary heart disease.
• Sedentary lifestyle with no exercise
• Stress
• Diabetes

Symptoms of CHD: Coronary Heart Disease Symptoms

• The most distressing manifestation is sudden, unanticipated cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest usually occurs in individuals who have had preceding heart attacks, but it could occur as the first symptom of CHD.
• People complain of chest pain and breathlessness. These symptoms typically occur during activity due to the increased demand for oxygen and nutrients.

 Other symptoms include: pain in the left arm, pain in the jaw or back ache.

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Silent ischemia is a condition which is asymptomatic, i.e. no symptoms occur. Arteries may get 50 % obstructed without causing any symptoms.

Diet to Prevent and Treat Coronary Heart Disease: Health Diet Tips

• First and foremost, you need to eliminate fats from your diet. Steer clear of saturated fats and trans fats.
• Restricting our intake of salt is very important and a crucial aspect of the cardio-vascular diet.
• Eliminate the following foods completely: biscuits, cookies, red meat, organ meat, egg yolk, margarine, white flour, sugar, coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
• Consume 5 flakes of raw garlic everyday. Garlic is of immense value in the management of heart disorders. It helps keep the blood pressure normal, prevents fluctuations and checks the formation of plaque.
• Step up the intake of walnuts and flax seeds. They provide loads of omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids,  that support heart function and also boost metabolism