Question

How can stress and not exercising have a risk factor of coronary artery disease?

Answer 1

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)/ ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE (IHD) : is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque ( cholesterol deposits) builds up in the wall of coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. These arteries then reduces the oxygen supply to the heart muscle resulting in a heart attack or angina.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: The risk factors of developing heart disease includes a) high blood pressure b) obesity c) smoking d) high blood cholesterol levels e) diabetes f) stress g) being post-menopausal for women h) being older than 45 for men i) unhealthy eating and j) physical inactivity

STRESS: Stress is a normal part of life. Stress can come from a) physical causes due to ineffective sleep or illness b) emotional stress due to the death of a loved one and c) from dramatic causes. People respond to stressful situation differently. Some react strongly to a situation and others are relaxed and unconcerned. Studies suggest that high levels of adrenaline and cortisol ( a hormone released due to stress) can increase a) blood pressure b) blood cholesterol and c) triglycerides. In some conditions, minor stress can trigger heart problems like poor blood flow to the heart and long-term stress changes in the way blood clots and increases the risk of stroke.

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY ( NOT EXERCISING): Lack of physical activity is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Being physically active reduces a) blood pressure b) increases good cholesterol ( shifts fat away from the arteries to the liver for processing) c) reduces bad cholesterol d) improves circulation e) increases fat loss f) helps to loss weight g) builds muscle mass and h) reduces stress by releasing endorphin hormones.