Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Overview

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition where the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis).
This reduces blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure.

Causes

CAD mainly develops due to:

Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits inside arteries)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet (high in fats & sugars)
Family history of heart disease

Symptoms

CAD may show mild or no symptoms at first. Common symptoms include:

Chest pain or discomfort (Angina)
Shortness of breath
Pain in shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
Fatigue
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness
Nausea
Sweating
Symptoms often worsen during physical activity or stress

Diagnosis

Doctors may use:

ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Echocardiogram
Stress test
Coronary angiography
CT coronary angiogram
Blood tests (cholesterol, sugar levels)

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle Changes

Quit smoking
Regular exercise
Heart-healthy diet
Stress management
Weight control

2. Medications

Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
Aspirin / blood thinners
Blood pressure medications
Nitroglycerin for angina
Diabetes control medicines

3. Medical Procedures

Angioplasty & Stent Placement – opens blocked arteries
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) – bypass blocked arteries
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) – for chronic angina

Prevention Tips

Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Control blood pressure & sugar
Exercise 30 minutes daily
Avoid smoking & alcohol
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains
Reduce red meat & fried foods
Manage stress
Regular heart checkups

When to Seek Medical Help

Call emergency care if you experience:

Severe chest pain
Breathlessness
Pain spreading to arms or jaw
Sudden dizziness or fainting

Early treatment can prevent heart attack and save lives.