Signs of Coronary Artery Disease

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease affects about 18.2 million adults in the United States. It occurs when the coronary arteries become diseased or damaged, and can no longer supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Typically, the damage is due to a buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, which can reduce blood flow to the heart, and it may lead to more severe health problems, including heart attacks, so schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at the first sign of trouble.

Recognizing the Signs

Identifying the signs of CAD early is critical for effective management. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

• Chest Pain: One of the most recognizable signs of CAD is chest pain,whicht is often described as a feeling of pressure, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. This sensation can last for a few minutes and may come and go.
• Shortness of Breath: If your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet your needs, you may develop winded breath or extreme fatigue.
• Heart Attack: This is the most alarming and severe manifestation of CAD. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, upper body pain, sweating, nausea, fatigue, and light-headedness.

Risk Factors

Several factors might increase your risk of developing CAD:

• Age: The risk increases with age, affecting more commonly those 65 and older.
• Sex: Men generally have a greater risk of coronary artery disease, although the risk for women increases after menopause.
• Family History: If your siblings, parents, or grandparents had heart disease early in life, your risk is higher.
• Smoking: Smokers have a much higher risk than those who don’t smoke.
• High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: These conditions can accelerate the hardening and narrowing of arteries.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes doubles your risk of coronary artery disease.
• Obesity: Excess weight will often worsen other risk factors.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing CAD involves reviewing your medical history, a physical examination, and further medical tests. These tests might include an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, stress tests, and coronary angiography. Treatment for CAD includes lifestyle adjustments, medications, and possibly procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. Lifestyle changes might include improving your diet, increasing your physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress.