Show What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease, or heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and affects millions of Americans. It is a serious condition and the leading cause of heart attacks and death in the United States in both men and women. Like other muscles, your heart requires a continuous supply of blood to work properly. The coronary arteries feed your heart muscle the blood it needs to do its job. Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when the major blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply the heart muscle with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged and diseased. This is caused by plaque build-up on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials substances found in the blood. Eventually, the coronary arteries become narrowed and hardened when the plaque builds up, a condition called atherosclerosis. Even from a young age, plaque can begin to form on your blood vessel walls. During the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), the plaque grows and the coronary arteries continue to narrow, allowing less oxygen-rich blood to flow through the arteries to the heart muscle. The inadequate blood supply (ischemia) to the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other signs and symptoms of a heart attack. The plaque buildup will also increase the risk of blood clots forming in your arteries. An area of plaque can rupture (break open) inside of an artery. This causes a blood clot to form on the plaque's surface. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood supply, which can cause a heart attack, permanent heart muscle damage, and death. What are the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD)?A person with coronary artery disease (CAD) can experience one or more symptoms. The symptoms and pain associated with coronary artery disease can be mild and intermittent but then may become more intense and constant.
If you suspect you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 and get to the nearest hospital right away! What are the risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD)?Risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) include:
Sometimes coronary artery disease (CAD) develops without any classic risk factors. Researchers are studying other possible factors, including:
How is coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed?A diagnosis of coronary artery disease begins with your doctor asking about your symptoms, your medical and family history, and your risk factors. There are several diagnostic tests that can be performed to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD). These tests help your doctor learn the cause of your symptoms, the extent of your coronary artery disease (CAD), its effect on your heart, and the best treatment for you. These diagnostic tests include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), echocardiogram, stress test, coronary angiography, and coronary CT scans. If coronary artery disease (CAD) is diagnosed, treatment options will be recommended depending on the severity of the disease. Lifestyle changes, medicines, and/or medical procedures can effectively prevent or treat CAD in most people. Lifestyle changes are important to manage CAD and avoid complications. This involves having heart-healthy eating habits, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, staying physically active, controlling conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes), and quitting smoking. What are the complications of coronary artery disease (CAD)?Over time, coronary artery disease (CAD) can cause weakening of the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. Arrhythmias happen when the inadequate blood supply to the heart or damage to heart tissue interferes with your heart's electrical impulses, causing problems or changes in the rhythm of your heartbeat. |