What factors negatively influence the prognosis of coronary heart disease? | Prognosis of coronary heart disease

What factors negatively influence the prognosis of coronary heart disease?

The most important factor that negatively influences the prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) is the severity of the disease. Coronary artery disease is a disease of the coronary arteries. These can be narrowed by calcification and deposition of plaques.

This results in a lack of blood, oxygen and other nutrients for the underlying tissue. CHD can be classified according to the size of the stenosed (narrowed) part of the vessel. The stronger the stenosis, the worse the prognosis for coronary heart disease.

Concomitant diseases also play a major role in the prognosis: if the person concerned has already suffered a heart attack, the prognosis worsens.The prognosis is also worse if there are diseases that indicate the formation of blood clots or a circulatory disorder of vessels. These include a stroke (blood clot in the brain) but also Peripheral Articular Occlusive Disease (PAD), which causes narrowing in the arteries of the legs. Kidney disease, such as renal insufficiency (kidney weakness), is also a negative prognostic factor, since the kidney is significantly involved in the regulation of blood pressure.

Other negative prognostic factors are age and male sex. The older a person is, the less the heart can compensate for existing problems. Statistically speaking, men die from CHD more frequently and at a younger age than women.

The metabolic status is also important for the prognosis. A high LDL cholesterol level promotes the formation of further plaques and therefore worsens the prognosis. High blood pressure also has a negative effect on CHD.

People with diabetes mellitus (blood sugar disease) also suffer more frequently from CHD, and the disease progresses more rapidly. The family history also plays a role. If people in the family have already died of a heart attack or coronary heart disease, this indicates unfavorable genetic conditions.

Finally, the prognosis also depends on lifestyle. Smoking, regular alcohol consumption, little sport/exercise and an unbalanced diet worsen the prognosis.