Heart & Cardiovascular
Coronary Artery Disease
About Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition where the major blood vessels supplying the heart become damaged and narrowed. This narrowing is often due to the buildup of plaque, a process called atherosclerosis, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle.
Common Symptoms
- chest pain (angina)
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- pain in the jaw, neck, throat, or back
- dizziness
- nausea
- sweating
- heart palpitations
- swelling in legs or ankles
- abdominal discomfort
Diagnosis
CAD is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, review of medical history, and various tests. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, echocardiogram, and sometimes coronary angiography to visualize the arteries.
Causes
The primary cause of CAD is believed to be damage to the inner layer of the coronary arteries, often starting in childhood. Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity are commonly associated with this damage and plaque buildup.
Treatment Overview
Management approaches for CAD often involve lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. Conventional medical treatments may include medications to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, or manage symptoms, and in some cases, procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery. Some individuals also explore complementary approaches like certain dietary supplements or meditation, though their efficacy in treating CAD is generally viewed as needing more research.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for individuals with CAD can vary significantly depending on the severity of the disease, adherence to treatment plans, and management of risk factors. With appropriate medical care and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals with CAD may experience improved quality of life and potentially slow the progression of the condition. Regular monitoring is often a part of long-term management.
Types & Variants
Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Occurs when a major artery is more than 50% blocked by plaque, significantly restricting blood flow.
Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Involves plaque buildup that narrows arteries but does not cause significant blockages. It can still lead to symptoms and complications.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
A rare condition where a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery, which can slow or block blood flow to the heart.
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