Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, affects millions of people worldwide and is the leading cause of death globally. It’s a silent thief that gradually narrows the coronary arteries, the vital pathways that supply blood and oxygen to your heart. This narrowing restricts blood flow, leading to various symptoms and complications.
What Are the Symptoms of CAD?
Many people with CAD experience no symptoms until a major event like a heart attack occurs. However, some common signs to watch out for include:
- Chest pain (angina): This can feel like a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest, often triggered by exertion or stress.
- Shortness of breath: This may occur during physical activity or at rest.
- Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired, even after minimal activity.
- Pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back: This can sometimes accompany chest pain.
- Sweating: This may occur along with other symptoms, especially during chest pain.
What Are the Risk Factors for CAD?
Several factors increase your risk of developing CAD, including:
- Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 45 for men and 55 for women.
- Family history: Having a close relative with CAD increases your risk.
- High blood pressure: This puts extra strain on the heart and arteries.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Smoking: This damages blood vessels and increases inflammation.
- Diabetes: This can damage blood vessels and contribute to plaque formation.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk.
- Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to CAD.
How is CAD Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis often involves a combination of tests, such as:
- Blood tests: To check cholesterol, blood sugar, and other risk factors.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect abnormal heart rhythms.
- Chest X-ray: To visualize the heart and lungs.
- Stress test: To assess how the heart responds to increased workload.
- Angiography: To visualize the blocked arteries.
Treatment options depend on the severity of CAD and individual circumstances. They may include:
- Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine are crucial.
- Medication: Drugs can manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and other risk factors.
- Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive procedure to open clogged arteries using a balloon and stent.
- Bypass surgery: When blockages are severe, a surgical detour is created to bypass the blocked arteries and restore blood flow.
Living with CAD:
While CAD is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring by your doctor. With a proactive approach, you can live a long and healthy life despite this diagnosis.