Coronary artery disease (CAD)
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Coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease is a condition that puts you at risk for heart attack and other forms of heart disease. In people who have coronary artery disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart get clogged with fatty deposits.
Other names for this disease are “coronary heart disease” or just “heart disease.”
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Many people have no symptoms. For those who do, the most common symptoms usually happen with exercise. They can include:
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the center of the chest – This type of chest pain is called “angina.”
- Pain, tingling, or discomfort in other parts of the upper body – This might include the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Feeling short of breath.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
The first symptom of coronary artery disease can be a heart attack. That’s why it is so important to know how to spot a heart attack. The symptoms of a heart attack can include:
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the center of the chest
- Pain, tingling, or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, burping, or heartburn
- Sweating or cold, clammy skin
- Racing or uneven heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
If these symptoms last more than 10 minutes or they keep coming and going, call for an ambulance right away ( call 9-1-1 ). Do not try to get to the hospital on your own.
Some people with coronary artery disease have chest pain even when they are not having a heart attack. This is most likely to happen when they are walking, going up stairs, or moving around. But if you have chest pain that is new or different, see a doctor right away.
Еlеϲtrοϲarԁiοgrаm ("ЕCG")
This test measures the electrical activity in your heart.
Echocardiogram
This test uses sound waves to create an image of your heart as it beats.
Stress test
This is also called an exercise test. For this test, you might be asked to run or walk on a treadmill while you also have an ЕСG. Physical activity increases the heart's need for blood. This test helps doctors see if the heart is getting enough blood. If you cannot walk or run, your doctor might give you a medicine to make your heart pump faster.
Cardiac catheterization ("cardiac cath")
During this test, the doctor puts a thin tube into a blood vessel in your leg or arm. Then, they move the tube up to your heart. Next, the doctor puts a dye that shows up on X-ray into the tube. This part of the test is called "coronary angiography." It can show whether any of the arteries in your heart are clogged.
How is coronary artery disease treated?
The main treatments for coronary artery disease are:
1. Lifestyle changes
To reduce your risk of heart attack and death, you should:
- Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help with this.
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods with a lot of fiber. Avoid foods with a lot of sugar.
- Walk or do some form of physical activity on most days of the week.
- Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight.
2. Medicines
The medicines to treat heart disease are very important. Some medicines lower your risk of heart attacks and can help you live longer. But you must take them every day, as instructed. Your doctor might prescribe:
- Medicines called "ѕtatiոѕ," which lower cholesterol.
- Medicines to lower blood pressure.
- Aspirin or other medicines that help prevent blood clots.
- Medicines to treat diabetes.
People who have chest pain caused by coronary artery disease (called angina) can also get medicines to relieve their pain. These medicines might include “nitrates,” “beta blockers,” and others.
Some people with coronary artery disease can also have:
Stenting
The doctor puts a thin plastic tube into the blocked artery and uses a tiny balloon to open the blockage. Then, the doctor leaves a tiny mesh tube called a “stent” inside the artery to hold it open.
Bypass surgery
This is also known as “coronary artery bypass grafting” (“CΑBG”). During this surgery, the doctor removes a piece of blood vessel from another part of the body. Then, they reattach the blood vessel above and below the area that is clogged. This reroutes blood around the clog and allows it to get to the part of the heart that was not getting blood.