INTRODUCTION
Coronary artery disease is the most
common form of heart disease. It happens
when something, like plaque buildup, reduces
blood flow to the heart. It can increase the
risk of heart attack.
What is CAD ?
The trouble starts when a waxy substance
called plaque builds up inside the arteries that
supply blood to the heart muscle. It can take
decades to block the blood flow, but it can
eventually cause a heart attack or failure.
Causes of CAD
The most common cause of CAD is a vascular
injury with cholesterol plaque buildup in the
arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Reduced
blood flow occurs when one or more of these
arteries becomes partially or completely
blocked.
Other rare causes of damage or blockage to a
coronary artery also limit blood flow to the
heart.
Symptoms of CAD
When your heart doesn’t get enough arterial
blood, you may experience a variety of
symptoms. Angina (chest discomfort) is the
most common symptom of CAD. Some people
describe this discomfort as:
chest pain
heaviness
tightness
burning
squeezing
These symptoms can also be mistaken
for heartburn or indigestion.
Other symptoms of CAD include:
pain in the arms or shoulders
shortness of breath
sweating
dizziness
You may experience more symptoms when
your blood flow is more restricted. If a
blockage cuts off blood flow completely or
almost completely, your heart muscle will
start to die if not restored. This is a heart
attack.
Factors of CAD
The risk factors for CAD can help with your
plan to prevent or decrease the likelihood of
developing the disease.
Risk factors include:
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol levels
Tobacco smoking
Insulin resistance/hyperglycemia/diabetes
mellitus
Obesity
Inactivity
Unhealthy eating habits
Obstructive sleep apnea
Emotional stress
Excessive alcohol consumption
History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
The risk for CAD also increases with age.
Based on age alone as a risk factor, men have
a greater risk for the disease beginning at age
45 and women have a greater risk beginning
at age 55. The risk for coronary artery disease
is also higher if you have a family history of
the disease.
Diagnosis for CAD
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiography
• Heart CT scan
Treatment
Treatment also depends on the current health
condition, risk factors, and overall wellbeing.
For example, the doctor may prescribe
medication therapy to treat high cholesterol
or high blood pressure, or you may receive
medication to control blood sugar if you have
diabetes.
Medications are the most common treatment
for CAD.
Conclusion
CAD is a genetic material which
transform 40% to 60% from parents. We can
cure any kind of diseases if it is diagnosed at
the correct time or taking care of health by
doing exercises and by in take healthy foods
at proper intervals.
