Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Summary:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a serious condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This can lead to heart attacks and other dangerous complications. The coronary arteries are important for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the heart, and when they get blocked, the heart struggles to function properly.

Causes:

The main cause of CAD is atherosclerosis, where plaque made of cholesterol and fat builds up in the arteries. Other factors that can cause CAD include arterial spasms, tears in the artery walls, and inflammation.

Risk Factors:

• Unchangeable: Aging, gender, family history of heart disease
• Modifiable: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and chronic stress.

Symptoms:

• Mild: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• Emergency Symptoms (Heart Attack): Severe chest pain that spreads to the arms, neck, or back, nausea, dizziness, cold sweat, which require immediate medical help.

Diagnosis:

Doctors diagnose CAD through symptoms, physical examination, and tests like ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, blood tests, angiography, and CT scans.

Treatment:

First, lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress are advised. Medications such as statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be prescribed. In some cases, medical procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be needed to improve blood flow.

Complications:

If untreated, CAD can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and sudden cardiac arrest. Prevention involves regular health checkups, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. CAD is a serious condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, the risks can be reduced, and the heart can stay healthy. It is better to prevent CAD than to treat it, and understanding the condition is the first step towards protecting your heart.

Disclaimer:

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance.