Coronary heart disease (CHD) occupies the top spot among cardiovascular conditions in North America and is rising in other regions as well. In recent years this ailment has appeared in younger adults, with notable cases among people aged 35 to 40. A respected cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Kirill Lakhmay from SM Clinic, shared with socialbites.ca what triggers coronary artery disease and which signals may indicate its presence.
He pointed to World Health Organization statistics showing a growing global burden of cardiac ischemia. From 2000 to 2023, the incidence of CHD worldwide increased markedly, a trend that concerns health systems across North America, Europe, and Asia alike.
Coronary heart disease develops when blood flow to the heart is reduced, most often because of atherosclerosis. Plaques accumulate on the walls of the coronary arteries, narrowing the vessels and diminishing oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. When the blood supply remains compromised, the risk of a heart attack rises, and in severe cases, death can occur.
When evaluating CHD symptoms, the specialist described a range of signs. Acute ischemia may present with intense, sharp chest pain behind the sternum that radiates to the left arm or under the shoulder blade, a burning sensation in the chest, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. In chronic ischemia, or angina, pain tends to be less severe and occurs in episodes, while breathlessness and fluctuations in blood pressure may be ongoing features.
The doctor highlighted several risk factors linked to the development of coronary heart disease. These include high blood pressure, which should be regularly monitored with a cuff; elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol that contributes to plaque formation; gender differences with ischemia more common in men according to clinical observations; family history, especially through the paternal line; diabetes; and excess body fat. While some risks cannot be altered, such as heredity, others can be managed to reduce the chance of disease and its complications.
The emphasis was on practical preventive steps that individuals can adopt daily. Simple routines can make a meaningful difference. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol, and timely medical checkups are recommended. Even when there are no obvious symptoms, annual assessments can help detect issues early and guide lifestyle adjustments.
In the broader context, CHD awareness matters for people in Canada and the United States as well. Early detection, consistent monitoring, and proactive risk management empower individuals to protect heart health. The takeaway is clear: modest daily changes in diet, activity, and medical oversight can alter the trajectory of heart disease over time.
To illustrate the stakes, consider a historical case where a patient did not reach timely hospital care after a heart incident. Lessons from such situations emphasize the importance of rapid response and access to emergency services, yet the overarching message remains focused on prevention and early intervention as the most effective strategy for long term heart health.