Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is a condition in which the coronary arteries, the major blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, become damaged or diseased.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque, a mixture of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, inside the coronary arteries, leading to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the coronary arteries, making them more susceptible to narrowing and blockage.
• High cholesterol: Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the inner lining of the coronary arteries, making them more prone to atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing CAD due to high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
• Family history: A family history of CAD increases an individual's risk of developing the condition.
• Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the abdominal area, can increase the risk of CAD.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of CAD.
• Age: The risk of CAD increases with age, especially after the age of 45 for men and 55 for women.

Symptoms

• Chest pain (angina): A feeling of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded even when at rest or engaging in light physical activity.
• Fatigue: Feeling weak or tired, especially after physical activity.
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach: Pain or discomfort that may radiate to other areas of the body.

Diagnosis

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its blood vessels.
• Stress test: A test that monitors the heart's function during physical activity or stress.
• Coronary angiography: A minimally invasive test that uses a special dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries.
• Cardiac catheterization: A procedure that involves inserting a catheter into an artery in the leg or arm and guiding it to the heart to measure blood pressure and take blood samples.

Treatment and Management

• Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress.
• Medications: Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), beta blockers, nitrates, and antiplatelet agents to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
• Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and implant a stent to keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure that involves bypassing blocked or narrowed sections of the coronary arteries using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body.

Complications

• Heart attack: A blockage of a coronary artery that can cause damage to the heart muscle and lead to death.
• Heart failure: The heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.

Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing stress.
• Controlling risk factors: Managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes through lifestyle modifications and medications.
• Regular health check-ups: Scheduling regular appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor cardiovascular health and detect potential problems early.