Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Overview of (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is also known as coronary heart disease which is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This results in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and leading to various cardiovascular complications. Coronary artery disease is a significant cause of cardiac artery disease globally and can be life threatening if not managed effectively.

Types of (CAD)

There are two main types of coronary artery disease:

1. Stable CAD: A condition where the coronary arteries narrow gradually over time and cause predictable symptoms like chest pain.

2. Unstable CAD: A more serious form of the disease, often caused by a sudden rupture of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of (CAD)

The symptoms of coronary artery disease can vary, but some common signs such as:

Chest pain (angina) or discomfort

Shortness of breath

Coronary artery disease symptoms may be triggered by physical activity or stress.

Fatigue and dizziness

Pain in the neck, jaw or back

Causes of (CAD)

Common causes such as:

A buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Smoking or poor diet

Lack of physical activity

Diabetes

Complications in (CAD)

If coronary artery disease is not managed it can lead to serious complications such as:

Heart attacks due to sudden blockage of the coronary arteries.

Heart failure, where the heart can not pump blood effectively.

Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

Stroke, caused by a reduced blood supply to the brain It is vital to catch CAD early to prevent these dangerous complications.

Risk Factors of (CAD)

Certain factors increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease:

• Age: Risk increases with age (45+ for men, 55+ for women).
• Family History: Genetics can raise your chances of developing CAD.
• High Blood Pressure: Puts extra strain on your heart and arteries.
• High Cholesterol: This leads to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.
• Smoking: Damages the arteries and promotes plaque buildup.
• Diabetes: Increases the risk by damaging coronary arteries.
• Poor Diet: High in unhealthy fats and salt, it raises cholesterol.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Obesity: Increases risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and lead to unhealthy habits.

Preventions of (CAD)

You can take steps to prevent coronary artery disease or slow its progression:

Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Exercise regularly (aim for at least 30-40 minutes a day)

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake

Manage stress and maintain a healthy weight

Keep track of your cholesterol and blood pressure level