Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, builds up plaque in your heart's arteries.
Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
In early stages, CAD has no symptoms. When plaque gets large enough to block your blood flow, you may feel symptoms like:
- Chest Pain
- Shortness Of Breath
- Fatigue
Chest pain is a more common symptom in men than in women. If plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms and blocks an artery to your heart. Because the clot blocks the artery, the blood can't deliver its oxygen to part of your heart, so some of your heart's muscle becomes damaged, perhaps permanently. This is known as a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
Risk Factors
CAD risk factors include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking And The Use Of Tobacco
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- A Strong Family History Of Heart Disease
If you’re at high risk for heart disease or already have symptoms, your healthcare provider can use several tests to diagnose CAD.
Treatment
Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, you might not notice a problem until you have a significant blockage or a heart attack. But you can take steps to prevent and treat CAD.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier (lower sodium, lower fat) diet, increasing physical activity, reaching a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can be very helpful.
Medicines to treat risk factors for CAD, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat may also be recommended. In some cases, surgical procedures to help restore blood flow to the heart may be required.
Contact your doctor if you have one or more signs or symptoms associated with CAD. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911.