“Michael” was in his mid-fifties when he first experienced an alarming bout of chest tightness, landing him a trip to the hospital. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief to learn he didn’t have a heart attack. However, he now had to grapple with his newfound reality of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Fear and uncertainty loomed over Micheal. Would the disease progress? Would he be able to walk his daughter down the aisle? Would his life be unexpectedly cut short? Unfortunately, Michael is not the first to face these common questions and certainly won’t be the last.
How will Michael fare? That depends on his choices and commitment to health. If he ascribes to NHDs “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” philosophy, odds are he can expect a full and long life.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD), a widespread cardiovascular concern, affects numerous lives around the world. It silently targets the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and stems from the inflammation caused by overlooking the principles of the “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” philosophy. When we disregard the importance of a healthy lifestyle, fatty deposits, or plaques, accumulate in our arteries, narrowing the once-clear pathways.
As these plaques build up, the arteries lose their flexibility, hindering the delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the heart. As the arteries lose their suppleness, the heart faces the challenge of pumping blood with added effort, putting more strain on itself. If CAD goes unaddressed, it may result in grave consequences like heart attacks, angina, and even heart failure.
Does CAD reduce life expectancy?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) casts a foreboding shadow, its lethal potential etched in stark numbers. A chilling fact stands out: CAD holds the infamous title of the leading cause of death across the globe, claiming a staggering 17.9 million lives each year. Zooming in on the United States, over 20 million adults aged 20 and older suffer from CAD, with a heartbreaking 383,000 Americans succumbing to the disease in 2020 alone.
Amidst these grim figures, recent research does suggest that people are living longer with CAD. Yet, the remaining lifetime risk (RLR) of heart disease remains alarmingly elevated for both men and women, at 45.6 percent and 42.4 percent, respectively. Recognizing that a longer life isn’t necessarily synonymous with a better one is crucial. Far too many individuals find themselves trapped in a twilight existence—alive but chronically unwell, their days marred by illness and devoid of the joy life offers.
Coronary artery disease casts a shadow on life expectancy, with a chilling truth that cannot be denied—CAD can curtail the years we have left. Studies show that while women live longer than men with heart disease, both sexes have a decreased life expectancy.
Can you live a long time with CAD?
“It depends.” A phrase that rings true for many aspects of life also holds significance when considering the question, “Can I live a long life with coronary artery disease ?” If you solely rely on medications without making any lifestyle adjustments, the answer, unfortunately, leans towards no. However, the horizon broadens, and a resounding yes echoes with hope when you adopt the “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” philosophy.
To embark on this journey towards a longer and more fulfilling life:
- Nourish your body with an organic diet brimming with wild seafood, organic produce, grass-fed beef and organs, and nutrient-dense nuts.
- Embrace the healing embrace of sunshine
- Prioritize quality sleep to rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Minimize stress by practicing mindfulness
- Connecting with loved ones, eliminating toxic relationships.
- Dedicate time to exercise, especially outdoors in the natural world.
Vigilance is key—steer clear of toxins and electrosmog whenever possible. Be aware of blue light’s insidious effects on the cardiovascular system, and take steps to mitigate its impact. With determination, dedication, and a heart full of hope, you can defy the odds, outmaneuver CAD, and cherish a long, vibrant life.
Know your starting point
In the battle against coronary artery disease (CAD), knowledge is power—and it all begins with understanding your starting point. The underlying culprit of CAD is inflammation, a pervasive and insidious force that, when left unchecked, wreaks havoc on our cardiovascular system. Therefore, to effectively counteract CAD and cultivate a healthier heart, we must first assess our current state of inflammation and identify any hidden sources of vulnerability.
Why is testing so crucial? Establishing a baseline understanding of your body’s inflammation levels gives you invaluable insights into your unique challenges and potential risk factors. This personalized knowledge enables you to precisely tailor your “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” journey, targeting specific areas requiring attention and intervention.
The Natural Heart Doctor (NHD) is well-equipped to guide you in this quest for self-discovery, offering an array of testing options designed to evaluate your cardiovascular health. These assessments can illuminate your baseline health status, empower you with the necessary information, and set the stage for a transformative journey toward a vibrant, inflammation-free existence. Testing with NHD includes a complimentary review with a Certified Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.
Next Steps
If you’ve been diagnosed with CAD or simply want to avoid the diagnosis, consider a free 20-minute health strategy call with one of our expert Heart Health Coaches. Together, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery, delving into your unique needs while crafting a tailored action plan to rejuvenate your heart’s vitality.
From debunking myths to providing practical guidance on embracing the “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” philosophy, our coaches offer compassionate support and valuable insights at every step. With a heart health ally by your side, you’ll gain the confidence and inspiration to conquer CAD and be well on your way to your 100 year heart.
