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, which is responsible for the progression 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 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.
A few known reasons for 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 salt, and sugar, it increases the risk of CAD.
- Family history of heart disease
- Sleep apnea or high blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
- Diabetes: 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
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 blood clots as much as possible
- Manage or control stable angina
Surgeries and Procedures for CAD
Some people may have to opt for surgery to control the CAD, which 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 heart bypass 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.
