Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) is a medical condition in which the coronary arteries are narrowed thus reducing or interrupting the supply of oxygen-rich blood going to the heart. It affects around 14 million men and women in the United States and the disease usually develops when a combination of fatty material and a plaque (scar tissue) builds up in the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. The plaque or the scar tissue often narrows the artery thus slowing the blood flow and causes chest pain or angina. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) may develop if the plaque completely closes and blocks the blood flow. Coronary Heart Disease claims more lives compared to the 7 leading causes of death combined and is a major cause of death and disability.

 Many factors can increase the risk of Coronary Heart Disease. This includes:

1.  Older women especially after they reach menopause, have higher risk.
2. Genetic factor. You are more likely to develop CAD if someone in your family has the history.
3. Hypertension and diabetes increases your risks for coronary artery disease and heart failure.
4. Cholesterol levels. HDL or good cholesterol should be increase and you’re LDL or the bas cholesterol should be low to reduce the risk.
5. Metabolic syndrome (all of the syndrome’s risk factors are related to obesity) it refers to excess body fat around the waist, increased insulin levels and high blood pressure.
6. Smokers and those individual with chronic kidney disease have much higher risk.
7. Those who have history of stroke and abdominal aortic aneurism have an increased risk of having CAD
8. Other risk factors include: poor exercise, alcohol abuse and excessive amount of stress (long-term)

 The best way to have and to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to visit your doctor or your cardiologist (a doctor who specialize or with special training and skill in treating and preventing heart diseases and heart related conditions). Your cardiologist can give you information and advice regarding the possible treatment to lessen the risks involve during pregnancy including the necessary medications that are safe to take during this period. If you’re taking any medication, it is necessary to continue and consult your doctor first prior to any possible changes involves in medication or if you want to stop taking the meds. If you’re planning to get pregnant, you can prepare your body by doing simple things such as stop and quit smoking, lose weight if you’re beyond the normal range and keep your blood pressure well controlled. During your pregnancy, it is necessary that you will be under the care of an obstetrician and a cardiologist in the hospital to keep your condition monitored at all times. Expect to have more frequent check-ups and laboratory tests if necessary. Be sure to keep your appointments on track and inform your doctor if any problems may arise. Eat foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, control your diet, stop smoking and do some exercise (consult your doctor first prior doing any exercise programs), these are the things a pregnant woman should do.

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