Understanding Coronary Artery Disease: Your Questions Answered

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying your heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).

Common Questions and Answers

What causes CAD?

• Buildup of fatty deposits (plaque)
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices

What are the symptoms?

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart attack symptoms
• Sometimes no symptoms until advanced stages

How is CAD diagnosed?

1. Physical examination
2. Blood tests
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
4. Stress tests
5. Cardiac catheterization

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes:

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management

Medications:

• Statins
• Blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Beta blockers

Procedures:

• Angioplasty and stenting
• Coronary artery bypass surgery

Prevention Strategies

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
• Maintain healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Eat heart-healthy foods
• Regular medical check-ups

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain radiating to arm or jaw
• Sudden weakness or dizziness