Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow and can lead to serious heart problems, including heart attacks.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
✅ High cholesterol – Excess LDL (“bad”) cholesterol leads to plaque formation.
✅ High blood pressure (hypertension) – Increases stress on artery walls.
✅ Smoking – Damages blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup.
✅ Diabetes – High blood sugar levels contribute to arterial damage.
✅ Obesity – Increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
✅ Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and poor heart health.
✅ Unhealthy diet – High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugars.
✅ Genetics & family history – If a close family member has CAD, the risk increases.
✅ Chronic stress – Can lead to high blood pressure and unhealthy coping behaviors.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
In its early stages, CAD may not cause symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
⚠ Common Symptoms
✔ Chest pain (angina) – A feeling of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest.
✔ Shortness of breath – Especially during physical activity or exertion.
✔ Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired even after minimal effort.
⚠ Advanced Symptoms (Warning Signs of Heart Attack)
🚨 Severe chest pain or discomfort that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
🚨 Cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness.
🚨 Shortness of breath even at rest.
⚠ Seek emergency medical help if you experience these symptoms!
Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and may include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
2. Medications
💊 Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins) – Reduce plaque buildup.
💊 Blood pressure medications – Keep blood pressure under control.
💊 Aspirin or blood thinners – Prevent blood clots.
💊 Nitrate medications – Help relieve chest pain (angina).
3. Medical Procedures & Surgeries
🚑 Angioplasty and Stent Placement – Opens blocked arteries using a small balloon and stent.
🚑 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – A surgery that reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries.