Have you just found out about your blocked arteries and want to know how long you can live with them? Unfortunately, there is no set time for an individual’s lifespan with coronary artery calcification. However, you can prevent your arteries from being blocked and reverse them with lifestyle changes and medical treatment if it has already happened.
What Is CAD – Coronary Artery Disease and Its Survival Rate?
Coronary Artery Disease has other names like atherosclerotic or coronary heart disease. It occurs when a solid plaque of cholesterol, waste products, and calcium accumulates in the coronary arteries to block the blood flow pathway.
This plaque starts soft but hardens over time to restrict blood flow via arteries to the heart muscles. It may sometimes rupture and cause a blood clot, leading to a heart attack.
The survival rate depends on factors like the severity of the condition and how its treatment path. However, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment help people with CAD to live long and productive lives.
Coronary Artery Disease – Causes
The development begins when plaque deposits appear in the inner lining of the coronary arteries. This, in turn, makes the blood vessels narrow and rigid.
Factors contributing to CAD include
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
- Aging
CAD Prognosis – How Long Can You Live With Blocked Arteries?
It depends on factors like the severity of the condition and its treatment. While CAD is serious, many people with timely diagnosis and treatment lead long and productive lives.
As stated earlier, there is no set time for an individual’s lifespan with coronary artery calcification (blocked arteries). However, you can prevent your arteries from being blocked and reverse them with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Symptoms That Show Up With Blocked Arteries
The symptoms of CAD differ from person to person; they may also depend on how severe the condition is. However, others may feel chest pain or even a heart attack.
Angina – Angina is a pressing or squeezing in the chest radiating to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back indicating a block in arteries.
Treatment Options for CAD – Coronary Artery Disease
The first line of treatment is managing CAD via lifestyle changes.
- Adopt a Healthy Diet: Choose foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also, limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars intake.
- Perform Regular Physical Activity: Set your goal for at least 1 hour of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise daily, along with strength training. Consult your doctor before starting.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight (BMI): Losing excess weight can reduce strain on the heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Do Not Smoke: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most significant steps you can take for your heart health.
- De-Stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, practice relaxation techniques, or engage in hobbies you enjoy.
- Control Other Health Conditions: Properly manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol effectively to reduce the risk of complications.
Common Medicines That Treat Blocked Arteries
- Cholesterol drugs
- Aspirin
- Beta-blockers
- CCBs – Calcium channel blockers
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs
- Nitroglycerin
Closing Note
Do not hesitate to contact Epic Heart and Vascular Center at 17070 Red Oak Dr # 405, Houston, TX 77090. Call Houston at (832) 432-1951 or Willowbrook: at (832) 952-1951 for your troubles. We are here to help you for a long and healthy life.