coronary artery disease
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding coronary artery disease.
What is CoronaryCADArtery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition that affects the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood and nutrients. It occurs when these arteries have trouble delivering blood to the heart due to the buildup of cholesterol and other fats along their walls.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
- Initially, most people may notice symptoms that include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the shoulder or arms
Nausea and fatigue
What causes coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. These plaques consist of cholesterol deposits and other substances within the artery. Over time, the accumulation of plaques narrows the arteries internally, potentially leading to difficulty in the flow of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood.
Factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease include:
- Advancing age
- Obesity and overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Smoking
- Family history
Certain health conditions may also raise the risk of developing coronary artery disease, such as:
- Atherosclerosis
- Congenital coronary artery defects
- High blood pressure
- High levels of cholesterol in the blood
- Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood
- Autoimmune diseases and inflammations like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
- Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination and may request additional procedures as needed, such as::
- Laboratory tests: blood tests, measuring cholesterol levels in the blood
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures and records the electrical activity of the heart
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary angiography
- Stress test, which measures the heart’s ability during exercise
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT Scan
- MRI
What are the treatment methods for coronary artery disease?
Treatment can involve several procedures or can be based on necessity, including:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries due to plaque buildup,PCIoften involves placing a small tube called a stent to prevent the artery from narrowing again
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Heart transplant
What are the prevention methods against coronary artery disease?
Taking steps to prevent heart and artery diseases reduces your chance of developing coronary artery disease, such as:
- Following a healthy diet
- Regular exercise. For more details, here isa guide to get moving for life.
- Maintaining an ideal weight
- Quitting smoking. For more details, hereis a guide to quit smoking.
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
- Keeping cholesterol levels within a normal range
- Maintaining normal blood pressure levels
- Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
What are the complications of coronary artery disease?
Complications of coronary artery disease include:
- Acute coronary syndrome, including chest pain or heart attack
- Arrhythmia
- Cardiac arrest
- Cardiogenic shock
- Heart failure
When should you see a doctor?
Visit a doctor/emergency room if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Severe fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol levels in the blood?
High cholesterol typically does not have symptoms, and it is often discovered during routine examinations.
