Abstracto

Risk Factors of cardiovascular disease in older people and immediate management.

Patrick Chao*

 Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the formation of fatty deposits or plaques over years on the walls of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries surround the outside of the heart and carry blood nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. Plaque build-up in arteries leaves less room for normal blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. When plaque build-up reduces or blocks blood flow to the heart, a sudden rupture of the plaque can cause angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort) or a heart attack. When the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen and nutrients in the blood, the heart muscle cells die (heart attack), weakening the heart and reducing its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.