Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Over view
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is a condition in which the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart) become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). This can lead to reduced blood flow, chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other heart-related complications.
Causes
CAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which occurs due to:
- High cholesterol (LDL – bad cholesterol buildup in the arteries)
- High blood pressure (damages artery walls, promoting plaque formation)
- Smoking (damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup)
- Diabetes (increases the risk of arterial damage)
- Obesity (excess weight increases strain on the heart)
- Sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise contributes to poor heart health)
- Unhealthy diet (high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods)
- Stress (can contribute to high blood pressure and heart strain)
Symptoms
- Chest pain (angina): Discomfort or tightness in the chest, especially during physical activity
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing due to reduced oxygen supply
- Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired even with minimal exertion
- Heart palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats
- Heart attack: Severe chest pain, nausea, sweating, and dizziness (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Detects irregular heart activity
- Stress Test: Monitors heart function during physical exertion
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to assess heart function
- Coronary Angiography: Uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualize artery blockages
- CT or MRI scans: Provides detailed images of the heart and arteries
Treatment
1.Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins)
- Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of exercise daily)
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress through yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques
Medications:
- Statins: To lower cholesterol levels
- Beta-blockers: To reduce heart strain and blood pressure
- Aspirin: To prevent blood clots
- Nitrates: To relieve chest pain
- ACE inhibitors: To lower blood pressure and improve heart function
Medical Procedures:
- Angioplasty and Stent Placement: A small balloon is used to widen the artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure where a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body to bypass the blocked artery