A common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), has taken the lives of millions of people throughout the world. This condition is the outcome of plaques in the coronary arteries and their gradual narrowing.

The coronary arteries that carry blood and nutrients to the heart are adversely affected. Cholesterol, fat, and fibrin build up along the artery walls to cause a condition known as atherosclerosis that is responsible for the progress of coronary artery disease. This buildup, known as plaque, causes the arteries to narrow and reduces the blood flow to the heart.

It may take many years before one comes to know that he or she has got this chronic disease. A reduced blood flow to the heart can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. If total blockage of the blood vessels is noticed, it can lead to a heart attack.

Types of Coronary Artery Disease

Mainly two variants of this disease are known:

Stable ischemic heart disease:

A chronic condition where it takes time sometimes many years for the coronary arteries to gradually narrow. The heart starts getting less-oxygen rich blood.

Acute coronary syndrome:

Medical attention is required on priority basis as this condition takes place suddenly. The plaque in the coronary artery at once breaks to form a blood clot that stops blood flow to the heart. This sudden blockage causes a heart attack.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

Plaque causes the arteries to narrow and ultimately blood flow is restricted. On rare occasions, this plaque can burst and this may develop a blood clot.

Few known reasons of CAD and atherosclerosis are listed below:

High blood pressure
Use of tobacco or smoking
Unhealthy food habits-when one is in the habit of eating foods rich in saturated fat, excess of salt and sugar it increases the risk of CAD.
Family history of heart disease
Sleep apnea or high blood pressure
Lack of exercise
Diabetes-especially Type 2 resembles CAD in some ways like high blood pressure and obesity

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of CAD can include:

Shortness of breath (Dyspnea): Continuing with the day-to-day activities, people may experience shortness of breath. A feeling of comfort where one may not get enough air, when climbing stairs or even sitting are some examples where individuals may experience dyspnea.
Stable angina: Most visible sign with the start of chest pain that will come and go in a typical pattern.

Diagnosis for CAD

The healthcare expert may recommend any of the given tests to assess the heart condition that can include:

Blood Tests
Echocardiogram to analyze the heart
Coronary angiography
- X-rays are made use of to view the blood flowing through the coronary arteries
Heart CT scan
- With the help of X-rays and special computers to analyze the heart
Intravascular ultrasound
- To see the inside picture of the coronary artery walls, plaque and so on

Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Options In India

1. Drugs and Medications

Intake of certain drugs decrease some symptoms of CAD. These drugs can help to alleviate:

Control the blood pressure
Lower the cholesterol
Avoid the blood clot formation as much as possible
Manage or control stable angina

2. Surgeries and Procedures for CAD

Some people may have to opt for surgery to control the CAD that can include:

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Also known as coronary angioplasty. The healthcare expert will reopen your blocked artery to help blood flow through it better. They may also insert a stent to help the artery stay open.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): In this type of surgery, a new course of action is created for the blood to flow around obstructions. This “detour” brings back flow of blood to the heart. People with severe obstructions in various coronary arteries get relief with the help of CABG.