by Sarah Todd

Created on: April 04, 2009   Last Updated: April 08, 2009

It begins with an uncomfortable pressure or pain in the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulders or arms. The intensity ranges from a feeling of tightness to a burning sensation. A shortness of breath is accompanied by feelings of nausea and light-headedness. The skin is pale and cold or sweaty as the heart rate increases or becomes irregular.

These are the symptoms of a heart attack, the interruption of blood supply to the heart. Today heart disease is the leading cause of death in many countries, and the major cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) is our modern lifestyle. A basic understanding of the causes of heart disease can reduce or even prevent this deadly condition.

What is CHD?

CHD is the hardening or narrowing of the arteries carrying blood to the heart, caused by the build-up of material such as cholesterol on the arteries' inner walls. This means less blood and oxygen flows into the heart, leading to the chest pain called angina. Over time CHD weakens the heart, resulting in an irregular heart beat known as arrhythmia.

CHD also causes heart failure. When a clot breaks away from the hardened artery it can block the flow of blood into the heart, causing a heart attack which, if not fatal, can permanently scar and damage the heart.

Cardiomyopathy is heart muscle disease, where the weakened heart muscle can cause arrhythmia. Often hereditary, cardiomyopathy can develop as a result of an over-active thyroid gland, from diseases like diabetes, or through alcohol abuse.

How does my lifestyle contribute to CHD?

Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the heart and blood vessels by constricting the arteries. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels so the heart has to work harder, increasing its heart rate. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke increases your blood pressure because the heart has to work harder to supply the body with sufficient oxygen. Non-smokers are also at risk from second hand smoke.

Within a year of giving up smoking the risk of heart disease drops dramatically.

Regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of contracting fatal heart disease. A daily moderate exercise routine of between 30 to 60 minutes is recommended, although shorter ten minute sessions are beneficial. Activities like walking, climbing stairs and gardening are considered exercise.

Combining exercise with other lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy diet will benefit the heart. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) recommends

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