Becky Captain, a cardiac nurse practitioner in preventive cardiology, explains several new insights in plaque development and answers many questions regarding coronary heart disease. Today we know that plaque starts inside the lining of the artery wall before protruding into the artery and eventually blocking blood flow. Plaque in the artery is much like a zit, in that it becomes inflamed, festers, and will eventually burst. When it bursts it will explode into the interior of the artery. This burst is what causes cardiac attack or death. It is important to have all the risk factors under control in order to prevent the plaque from bursting. Regular aerobic exercise is the number one way to ensure you have a thick cap over your plaque. This thick cap will help keep the plaque from bursting, and keep you away from risk of cardiac problems.

If you suffer from heart risk factors, it is strongly recommended that you see a health care provider. A cardiac scan may be necessary in order to determine if you have calcified plaque deposits in your heart arteries. An angioplasty or stent or openheart surgery, you have plaque in your arteries. If you do have plaque, you are at risk for developing heart events.

For more information go to www.cardiotabs.com.