Coronary Artery Disease

Symptoms to Watch For

What It Is

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries caused by the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (plaques). Over time, this buildup reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart attack.

Causes and Risk Factors

CAD most often results from atherosclerosis, a gradual process in which plaque accumulates along artery walls. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, age, and family history of heart disease.

Diagnosis

Your cardiologist may order an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, echocardiogram, coronary artery calcium score, or cardiac catheterization to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the disease.

Lifestyle Modifications

For early-stage CAD, we recommend adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction to slow or reverse disease progression.

Medications

Statins lower cholesterol, antiplatelet drugs help prevent blood clots, beta-blockers reduce strain on the heart, ACE inhibitors manage blood pressure, and nitrates help relieve chest pain.

Procedures

When medications are insufficient, we may recommend angioplasty with stent placement to open blocked arteries, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for severe blockages.