The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. This is coronary heart disease. Every day, about 4000 Americans have heart attacks, one every 20 seconds. And each year, nearly 600,000 people die of coronary artery disease, making it the nation's number-one killer. Fortunately, heart disease claims fewer and fewer lives each year, thanks to advances in medical treatment of heart disease and growing public awareness of the benefits of exercise and good nutrition.
Prevention is of utmost importance.
High blood pressure can increase the risk of atherosclerosis. To control high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice. If you smoke, quit. Nicotine constricts blood flow to the heart, decreases oxygen supply to the heart and seems to play a significant role in the development of coronary heart disease. Follow your doctor's advice if you have diabetes.