Coronary heart disease: A widespread disease that can be protected against

With its nationwide campaign weeks “Heart in Danger”, the German Heart Foundation draws attention to a grievance: Through consistent prevention, Diagnosis and therapy, many could coronary heart disease avoid.

Education is needed, even though it is a widespread disease. Every year around 665.000 people in Germany suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD). Almost 60.000 subsequently die from a Heart attackReason enough for the German Heart Foundation, to warn of the dramatic consequences of this disease with a broad-based campaign in November. With over 1.000 events throughout Germany, the independent institution is putting the topic of coronary heart disease in the spotlight under the motto "Heart in danger - recognizing and treating coronary heart disease."

"We find again and again that, although this disease is widespread, many people know nothing about it. Those affected often suppress the symptoms or take coronary heart disease seriously too late," explains Dr. Reinhold LunowThe internist and medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim also knows: "That doesn't have to be the case, because the disease and its risk factors can be identified early on. Those who adapt their lifestyle accordingly and eliminate their risk factors can avoid the dramatic consequences."

Coronary heart disease causes heart attack

Many people ignore the first symptoms, because coronary heart disease is caused by a gradual process that lasts for years: the coronary arteries are narrowed by deposits (plaque), and blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted. A heart attack occurs when a plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms, which closes off the heart vessel. "A Heart attack So it does not come out of the blue, as is often said, but rather coronary heart disease precedes the heart attack," explains Dr. Lunow.

The expert has been treating patients with coronary heart disease for over 25 years in the practice clinic for diagnostic and preventive medicine near Cologne and Bonn. "Typical signs of coronary heart disease are a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, angina pectoris, pain and shortness of breath, although this can also occur on its own." These symptoms are triggered by physical or mental stress: climbing stairs, walking quickly, carrying crates of drinks, but also excitement. "The pain can radiate into the shoulder, the jaw area or the upper abdomen. Typically," says Dr. Lunow, "the pain disappears a few minutes after the stress has stopped."

Instead of taking preventive measures, coronary heart disease is often ignored

This is one reason why sufferers often do nothing despite having symptoms and blame their age, bronchial tubes or a sensitive stomach. And they adapt their everyday life to the coronary heart disease: instead of taking the stairs, they now take the elevator, instead of going on holiday in the mountains, they go to the sea. Going to the Doctor remains - a misjudgment with consequences, says Dr. Lunow: "Angina pectoris symptoms indicate that the heart is no longer receiving enough oxygen. Such symptoms must therefore be clarified by the doctor at an early stage. This is the only way to prevent the progression of coronary heart disease and thus a life-threatening situation such as heart failure, heart attack or Stroke impede."

In addition to age, genetic predisposition and gender, it is above all the modern lifestyle that increases the risk of coronary heart disease: incorrect Nutrition (too many calories, fat and sugar), obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and Stress. This is how they arise Hypertension and disorders in fat metabolism (increased cholesterol), which are also hardly noticed at first. This makes it all the more important to identify your own risk factors as early as possible and to counteract them.

CHD prevention with the heart and vascular check at the Bornheim practice clinic

“The cardiovascularCheck-up in our practice clinic brings clarity. This allows us to detect the first signs of coronary heart disease,” explains Dr. Lunow. His advice: not only those with a family history of Diabetes suffers or after a long time again with Sports should get checked. The earlier you tackle the problem of coronary heart disease, the greater the chances of not getting the disease in the first place.

In addition to the check-up, Dr. Lunow recommends regular physical activity and endurance sports, a balanced diet, not smoking, and relaxation exercises to combat stress. A healthy lifestyle is also a prerequisite for treatment if you already have coronary heart disease and medication, stents, or a bypass are indicated. "Many patients with coronary heart disease who take preventive measures in good time have it largely in their own hands to not only live longer, but to live well for longer."