Many people in the United States today suffer from a very common type of heart disease called coronary artery disease. This disease is very serious because it can lead to heart attacks. Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries become filled with a substance called plaque. This causes the arteries to narrow and decrease the supply of blood to the heart. Saturated fats, trans-fats and dietary cholesterol can cause excess plaque build up. Some signs and symptoms of a possible heart attack include pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back, chest pain, shortness of breath, and feelings of light-headedness. It is very important to make positive lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Some of the most important lifestyle changes are the reduction of saturated and trans-fats, cholesterol and sodium in the diet along with regular exercise.
