All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
Jan 11, 2023The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Coronary Artery disease (CAD) happens because over time a waxy substance known as plaque (a combination of fat, cholesterol and other substances) builds up in the arteries, constricting them and reducing the blood flow. The build-up happens very slowly but in the end, it will reduce blood flow so much that heart failure, a heart attack or arrhythmia occurs. The plaque can also break away from the artery wall. Blood cells will collect to try to repair the damage and will form clots that will stop or severely restrict blood flow and may cause a heart attack.
Types Of Coronary Artery Disease
There are 2 main forms of CAD:
- Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: This is a chronic condition that develops slowly over the years, gradually reducing oxygen rich blood supply to the heart. Patients may feel some symptoms but in most cases, they are able to live with them by taking precautions.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: This is an emergency situation that occurs when plaque breaks away in the artery and the resulting blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart causing a heart attack.
Symptoms Of Coronary Artery Disease
Because plaque buildup occurs so slowly, the symptoms may not appear for years and when they do, they may be mild. These are the common signs that a person may be suffering from CAD:
- Stable Angina: This is the most common symptom and is a temporary pain or discomfort in the chest. It comes and goes in a predictable manner. For example, it will occur during heighten physical activity or emotional distress. It fades away with rest or medication.
- Shortness Of Breath: Physical activity can cause shortness of breath.
In some cases, the first indication of CAD is a heart attack. The signs of common signs of this are:
- Mild or severe angina that may take the form of pain, heaviness, tightness, burning, numbness, or a dull ache in the chest that may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, back or jaw.
- Breathlessness and difficulty in breathing.
- Feeling lightheaded and/or dizzy.
- Heart palpitations.
- Severe fatigue.
- Nausea, vomiting and other feelings of gastric discomfort. These are often mistaken for indigestion.
- Severe weakness.
Women may feel additional symptoms including:
- Sudden onset of insomnia.
- Feeling that the heart is racing.
- Hot flashes.
Causes Of Coronary Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the arteries throughout the body. When the build-up in the coronary arteries restricts blood flow, it is CAD. Plaque build-up occurs with time as the body ages. Within limits, it is not a health risk. However, when the plaque becomes so great it affects the flow of blood to the heart, it becomes a very serious medical concern. Among the main causes of plaque build-up are:
- Genetic factors such as a family history of high cholesterol.
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight
- Diseases like diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- Smoking.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Lack of adequate exercise.
- An unhealthy diet.
- Stress, depression and anger.
Also Read: Yoga And Stress Relief
Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease
To diagnose CAD a cardiologist will:
- Study the patient’s personal and family medical history.
- Use an electrocardiogram to measure the heart’s electrical activity and assess heart damage.
- Stress tests of various types to assess the heart’s function when the body is active.
- Use an echocardiogram that uses sound waves to evaluate your heart’s structure and function.
- Chest x-rays to see the heart and look for signs of damage.
- Do a coronary calcium scan to measure the amount of calcium present in the arteries.
- Use a Computed Tomography (CT) coronary angiogram to view a 3D image of the heart as it beats.
- Use blood tests to measure the levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol, etc.
- Use cardiac catheterization which is inserting a thin flexible tube into a blood vessel in the arm or leg and manipulating it up to the heart. Once there a dye will be injected into the heart through the catheter so that a detailed x-ray image of the inside of the heart may be obtained.
Also Read: Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
Treatment For Coronary Artery Disease
A multipronged approach is required to treat CAD. The first step is lifestyle modification which includes:
- Dietary changes to control the intake of fats, sodium sugar and other substances that contribute to the development of plaque.
- Stopping smoking and recreational drug use or substance misuse.
- Regular exercise.
- Weight control.
- Stress management.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, the doctor may prescribe medication to increase heart health. These may include blood thinners, anti-clotting medication, beta-blockers, nitroglycerin, ACE inhibitors, statins, immunosuppressants, etc.
If the lifestyle changes and medication do not produce the required results, surgery may be advised. The most common of these procedures are:
- Angioplasty: A thin flexible tube with a deflated balloon at the tip is inserted into a blood vessel and moved up to the blocked artery. The balloon is then carefully inflated which stretches the artery to allow for more blood to flow. In some cases, a stent (a tiny tube) is inserted into the stretched part of the artery to keep it open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: In this procedure blood vessels are taken from other parts of the body and used to create a detour around the blocked artery. The blood flow through the grafted blood vessel will be unobstructed.
Prevent Coronary Artery Disease
There are several things that everyone (not just those at high risk of CAD) should do to protect the heart. These include:
- Regular health checkups at a hospital that has a programme of health checks to suit people of all age groups. These will provide early warning of any incipient heart conditions so that early treatment may begin.
- Keeping to a healthy weight.
- Avoiding tobacco use of all kinds.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Exercising regularly.
- Having a healthy diet.
- Managing stress levels through yoga or other relaxation techniques.
Coronary Artery disease is a serious matter. If you suspect you may have it, do not delay diagnosis and treatment. If you are a patient of CAD, treatment at a hospital with a specialized cardiology department will ensure that you get the best treatment. If you have no symptoms of CAD, it is still wise to have regular checkups at a hospital that has a range of health checkup options to suit all health concerns and age groups. Early detection makes treatment much easier.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Sore Throats and Their Treatments
Sinus Infection - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
When Should You Consult an ENT Specialist?
Conditions That Require Urgent Diagnosis by an ENT Specialist
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
மகப்பேற்றுக்குப் பின்பான பராமரிப்பு – சில ஆலோசனைகள்
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Endometriosis: Surgical Options and Their Impact on Quality of Life
Common Misconceptions About Gynecological Health
Do Not Ignore Your Regular Gynecology Examination
Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
மகப்பேறியல் மற்றும் மகளிர் மருத்துவத்திற்கு இடையிலான வேறுபாட்டைப் புரிந்துகொள்வது
ஒரு பெண் எப்போது மகளிர் மருத்துவப் பரிசோதனைகளைத் தொடங்க வேண்டும்
Gynecological Good Health Over 35 - Understanding the Basics
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு
உறைந்த தோள்பட்டையை (ஃப்ரோஸன் ஷோல்டர்) புறக்கணிக்காதீர்கள்!
நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதம்!
மகளிர்நல மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சைகள் மற்றும் அறுவைச் சிகிச்சைகளிலான முன்னேற்றங்கள்
பருவகால ஒவ்வாமைகள் மற்றும் அதைத் தடுக்கும் வழிகள்
Archive
- 2025
- 2024
- Dec(4)
-
Nov(5)
- ஒரு பெண் எப்போது மகளிர் மருத்துவப் பரிசோதனைகளைத் தொடங்க வேண்டும்
- மகப்பேறியல் மற்றும் மகளிர் மருத்துவத்திற்கு இடையிலான வேறுபாட்டைப் புரிந்துகொள்வது
- Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
- Conditions That Require Urgent Diagnosis by an ENT Specialist
- 10 Common Myths About Cardiovascular Disease
- Oct(4)
- Sep(4)
- Aug(3)
- Jul(4)
- Jun(3)
- May(4)
- Apr(4)
- Mar(4)
- Feb(4)
- Jan(4)
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018