Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common and popular type of heart disease in Egypt, said Adel Shabana, Cardiology Consultant at the Faculty of Medicine at Ain Shams University.
Heart disease occurs as a result of buildup in coronary arteries; a condition which called “atherosclerosis” causes blockages, he continued.
During the “Cardio Prevent” conference, Shabana explained to Daily News Egypt that, with the accumulation of deposits, the arteries are turned from being smooth and elastic to narrow and rigid, restricting the blood flow to the heart. The heart becomes unable to receive oxygen and the essential nutrients needed for the heart to pump properly. Cholesterol-containing deposits in arteries and inflammation trigger coronary artery diseases.
Shabana pointed out that when plaque builds up; the narrowing of coronary arteries decrease blood flow to heart. The reduced blood flow may trigger chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath. A complete blockage can eventually lead to a heart attack.
CAD results from damage in the inner layer of the coronary artery, and that damage, according to Shabana, may be caused by several factors including: smoking, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, diabetes and insulin resistance, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Newly observed causes in Egypt include the use of Tramadol and increasing cases of obesity.
Ayman Saleh, Professor of Cardiology at the Faculty of Medicine at Ain Shams University and the chairman of the conference, emphasised the risk CAD poses to Egypt, as it is the leading cause of death, at 45%, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Further, there has been shift in the demographic of those afflicted with CAD, with signs of the disease showing amongst a younger generation. Saleh suggested that this shift may be caused by a heightened exposure to the risk factors that cause the disease, principally high blood pressure that results from smoke inhalation and an unhealthy diet. He noted that 25% of Egyptians have high blood pressure and most are either are unaware or without access to proper medication.
Hazim Khorshid, Cardiology Consultant at Ain Shams University, highlighted the necessity of spreading awareness of the factors that cause the disease and its fatal effects.
