It occurs when the coronary arteries, which provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed.
This constriction is mainly due to plaque accumulation, including cholesterol, which impedes blood flow.
CAD is also known as coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease.
What are the Symptoms and Causes of CAD?
For many individuals, symptoms of CAD can be mild or even absent for extended periods. However, as the arteries continue to narrow, you may experience the following:
Stable Angina: This is characterized by temporary discomfort in the chest or chest pain during physical exertion or stress but subsides with rest.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during light activities.
The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis, where plaque gradually accumulates in the arteries, limiting blood flow.
Key risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic conditions like diabetes.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CAD typically involves:
Physical Examination: Your doctor will assess your blood pressure and review your symptoms.
Additional Testing: This can include blood tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, and imaging studies such as angiograms to evaluate heart function and blood circulation.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?
Treatment for CAD generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
Recommended lifestyle adjustments include:
- Quitting Smoking: Stopping tobacco use to enhance overall heart health.
- Heart-Healthy Diet: Focusing on a diet that minimizes saturated fats and added sugars while boosting the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Strive for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, including activities like brisk walking or cycling.
Medications may be advised to manage symptoms and mitigate risk factors, emphasizing lifestyle modifications.
In more severe cases, procedures such as angioplasty (to clear blocked arteries) or coronary artery bypass surgery (to restore blood flow) may be recommended.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Prevented?
Although some risk factors are beyond your control, you can take proactive measures to decrease your risk of CAD by:
- Embracing a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on nutritious eating and regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can significantly reduce risk.
- Managing Chronic Conditions: Effectively control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes through regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
If you have any concerns about your heart health or questions about coronary artery disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sri Ganga Emergency and Multispecialty Hospital today! Our dedicated team is here to help you understand your risks and support you on your path to a healthier life.
