An estimated 17.9 million people worldwide die of heart disease (also called coronary artery disease) every year, accounting for nearly one-third of all global deaths. Heart diseases remain a leading cause of death, affecting more men than women. For those who survive, it may often be the start of a journey into declining cardiovascular health. This underlines the importance of rehabilitation and patient support, especially since up to 20% who had a myocardial infarction (MI) – a heart attack – go on to have a subsequent MI, stroke, or cardiovascular death within the first year.
The hardships patients with cardiovascular disease are experiencing, including physical and emotional burdens, have become the driving force behind the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation’s ambition to eliminate risk factors and stop disease progression.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when the major blood vessels that supply your heart become damaged or diseased. Cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) in your coronary arteries and inflammation are usually to blame for coronary artery disease.
The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, the reduced blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other coronary artery disease signs and symptoms. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack.
Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, you might not notice a problem until you have a significant blockage or a heart attack. But you can take steps to prevent and treat coronary artery disease. A healthy lifestyle can make a big impact.
Symptoms of CAD
If your coronary arteries narrow, they can’t supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart — especially when it’s beating hard, such as during exercise. At first, the decreased blood flow may not cause any symptoms. As plaque continues to build up in your coronary arteries, however, you may develop the following coronary artery disease signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain (angina): You may feel pressure or tightness in your chest, as if someone were standing on your chest. This pain, called angina, usually occurs on the middle or left side of the chest. Angina is generally triggered by physical or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away within minutes after stopping the stressful activity. In some people, especially women, the pain may be brief or sharp and felt in the neck, arm, or back.
- Shortness of breath: If your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, you may develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with activity.
- Heart attack: A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing pressure in your chest and pain in your shoulder or arm, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating.
Get Support and Make Your Heart Health a Priority
The Wellness Coalition was named one of seven innovative, community-based nonprofit organizations to receive a grant from the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation to address cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the nation. The Wellness Coalition’s HeartLink program seeks to improve the cardiovascular health and health behaviors of uninsured and underinsured adults in Alabama’s River Region through:
- Access to primary care
- Health insurance
- Free/low-cost medications
- Community resources
- Self-management of cardiovascular disease, delivered by trained Wellness Navigators providing wellness case management and chronic disease self-management education
The HeartLink program is available to adult residents of Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties.
“In this free wellness program, you can learn how to manage and prevent chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and more,” said Martine Rocker, wellness program coordinator.
Program participants also get:
- Help setting and achieving wellness goals
- Access to wellness resources
- Free enrollment in lifestyle change and/or chronic disease self-management classes
- A free blood pressure cuff when you complete the program