Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, including in the UAE. With changing lifestyles, high stress, and less physical activity, more people in areas like Jumeirah are developing heart problems earlier in life.

The good news is that coronary heart disease is both manageable and preventable. Understanding what it is, how it affects your body, and what you can do about it can make all the difference.

Understanding Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart—become narrowed or blocked. This usually happens due to a buildup of plaque, a fatty substance made of cholesterol, calcium, and other materials in the blood.

As plaque builds up, the arteries stiffen and narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can cause chest pain (angina). If the blockage becomes complete, it can result in a heart attack.

CHD is a long-term condition that develops gradually over many years. Often, the process begins early but goes unnoticed until symptoms appear later in life. It’s closely related to lifestyle habits—like diet, exercise, and smoking—and medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

While CHD can sound intimidating, early detection and the right care can control symptoms and prevent serious complications.

How It Affects the Heart and Blood Vessels

To understand coronary heart disease, it helps to know how the heart and its blood vessels work.

The heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, delivered through the coronary arteries. When these arteries are healthy, blood flows freely, and the heart functions efficiently. But when plaque builds up inside the artery walls, they become narrow and stiff. This limits how much blood can reach the heart muscle.

Over time, this reduced blood flow can cause several problems:

• Angina: Chest pain or tightness that occurs when the heart works harder, such as during exercise or stress. It usually improves with rest.

• Heart attack: A complete blockage stops blood flow, causing part of the heart muscle to die. Quick medical care is crucial to save heart tissue.

• Heart failure: Long-term damage weakens the heart, making it less able to pump blood effectively.

• Arrhythmia: Reduced blood flow can cause irregular heartbeats, which sometimes become dangerous.

Even when symptoms are mild, coronary heart disease affects your body’s ability to deliver oxygen efficiently. It can make physical activity more difficult and reduce your overall energy levels.

Key Risk Factors and Causes

Coronary heart disease develops when several risk factors come together over time. Some are genetic, but most relate to everyday habits and lifestyle choices.

Non-modifiable risk factors

These are things you can’t change, but being aware of them helps you stay proactive.

• Age: Risk increases after age 50 for men and after menopause for women.

• Gender: Men are more likely to develop CHD earlier, though women’s risk rises sharply after menopause.

• Family history: Having a close relative who had heart disease before age 60 raises your own risk.

Modifiable risk factors

These are lifestyle and health issues you can control.

• High blood pressure: Chronic high pressure damages artery walls and speeds up plaque buildup.

• High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) or low levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol) contribute to blockages.

• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar damages the lining of blood vessels, making them more prone to plaque.

• Smoking: Tobacco reduces oxygen in the blood, raises blood pressure, and damages arteries.

• Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts strain on the heart and often leads to other risk factors.

• Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats increase cholesterol and inflammation.

• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart and contributes to weight gain.

• Stress: Chronic stress increases blood pressure and stress hormones that can damage arteries.

In Jumeirah, many people live fast-paced lives with irregular routines, late nights, and convenience-based eating habits. These everyday factors, combined with genetic risk, explain why more adults in their 30s to 50s are now developing coronary heart disease.

Treatment Options and Medications

Treatment for coronary heart disease focuses on improving blood flow, reducing symptoms, and preventing further damage. Depending on how advanced the condition is, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or medical procedures.

Lifestyle adjustments

The first line of treatment always involves changing daily habits:

• Healthy eating: Choose foods low in saturated fat and high in fiber—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce salt and sugar intake.

• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent low-impact options.

• Weight management: Even losing a small amount of weight can improve blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Quit smoking: Stopping smoking immediately improves circulation and lowers your risk.

• Stress control: Activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress.

Medications

Several types of medications are commonly used to manage CHD:

• Antiplatelet drugs: Such as aspirin, to reduce the risk of clots.

• Statins: To lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque.

• Beta-blockers: To slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: To relax blood vessels and protect the heart.

• Nitrates: To ease chest pain by improving blood flow.

• Calcium channel blockers: To relax arteries and improve oxygen delivery.

Your doctor will choose a combination based on your age, overall health, and symptoms.

Medical procedures

If arteries are severely blocked, you may need a procedure to restore proper blood flow:

• Angioplasty and stent placement: A small balloon opens the narrowed artery, and a stent (metal mesh) keeps it open.

• Coronary artery bypass surgery: In severe cases, surgeons create a new route around blocked arteries to restore blood flow.

These treatments can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the chance of future heart attacks when paired with lifestyle changes and follow-up care.

Living with Coronary Heart Disease

Being diagnosed with coronary heart disease can be overwhelming at first, but many people live full and active lives with proper management. The key is consistency—sticking to your treatment plan, making healthy choices, and paying attention to your body.

Here’s what living well with CHD looks like:

Stay on your medication

Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Even if you feel fine, stopping suddenly can raise your risk of complications.

Eat heart-healthy meals

Focus on simple, balanced meals: grilled fish or chicken, colorful vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and whole grains. Avoid fried and processed foods whenever possible.

Keep moving

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood flow. Choose something you enjoy—morning walks, light jogging along the beach, or cycling.

Manage stress

Stress management is often overlooked but just as important as medication. Find moments in your day to unwind, disconnect from screens, and breathe deeply.

Monitor your health

Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Schedule regular checkups even if you feel well. Early detection of any change helps prevent complications.

Build support

Living with CHD is easier with support from family, friends, or local health groups. Sharing your journey can help you stay motivated and consistent.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Preventing coronary heart disease—or stopping it from getting worse—comes down to a few powerful habits. These changes not only protect your heart but also boost energy, mood, and overall health.

1. Eat smarter

Adopt a balanced diet based on whole, natural foods. Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit, choose lean proteins, and limit refined carbs and sugary drinks.

2. Get regular exercise

Physical activity strengthens your heart and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Try brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or yoga for at least 30 minutes most days.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Even modest weight loss can have a big impact on your heart health. Combine mindful eating with daily movement for sustainable results.

4. Don’t smoke

If you smoke, quitting is the single most effective way to protect your heart. Avoid secondhand smoke as well.

5. Control blood pressure and cholesterol

Regular health screenings are essential. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it consistently and follow up as recommended.

6. Manage stress and sleep

Chronic stress and lack of sleep increase inflammation and blood pressure. Aim for seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep each night.

7. Stay consistent

Healthy habits only work if you maintain them. Start small—replace one unhealthy habit at a time. Over months, these small steps become powerful protection for your heart.

Why Awareness Matters in Jumeirah

In communities like Jumeirah, where modern lifestyles are often fast-paced and high-pressure, the risks of heart disease can rise quietly over time. Many people spend long hours at work or sitting in traffic, with little time left for exercise or meal planning.

The challenge isn’t access to care—it’s awareness and consistency. Understanding your risk, getting annual checkups, and making small daily improvements can prevent major health problems later.

A strong, healthy heart doesn’t come from drastic measures. It’s the result of simple, sustainable habits—eating well, staying active, and managing stress before it builds up.

Coronary heart disease is serious, but it’s not the end of the story. With the right lifestyle, medication, and mindset, you can live a long, active, and fulfilling life.

In Jumeirah, where access to healthcare and healthy living options is within reach, there’s no better time to start taking care of your heart. Begin with small, consistent changes—move a little more, eat a little better, and get regular checkups.

Your heart is the engine that keeps you going every day. Treat it well, and it will take care of you for years to come.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, reducing oxygen flow and increasing the risk of heart attack.

2. What are the common symptoms of coronary heart disease?
Typical symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, and discomfort in the arm, jaw, or back. Some people may have no symptoms until later stages.

3. What causes coronary heart disease?
It’s mainly caused by plaque buildup in the arteries due to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, diabetes, and lack of exercise.

4. How is coronary heart disease treated?
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications such as statins and beta-blockers, or procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery.

5. Can I live a normal life with coronary heart disease?
Yes. With proper medication, healthy eating, regular exercise, and regular medical follow-ups, most people can live full and active lives with coronary heart disease.

6. Where can I get help for coronary heart disease in Jumeirah?
Northwest Clinic Day Surgical offers comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and long-term management for patients with coronary heart disease.