WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, occurs when cholesterol, calcium, and other substances from the blood cause plaque to form on the walls of the coronary arteries. This plaque makes the arteries stiff and causes them to narrow, limiting the flow of blood to the heart. CAD is a progressive disease that can go on for years without symptoms. Other factors, such as inflammation, can cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the flow of blood even further. Eventually, the arteries can become so obstructed that the heart muscle can't get enough oxygen to meet the demands. Often (but not always) the result is chest pain, called angina. Angina is a sign that the heart muscle is being damaged. Eventually, the damage can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Most people who have CAD are not aware of it until there is enough blockage to cause symptoms.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

• Excessive sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Difficulty staying asleep,
• Pain or discomfort
• Pressure or heaviness
• Tightness in chest
• Getting tired or exerted quickly

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT: 

Diagnosis: The doctor will review the detailed health history, talk about symptoms, and do a physical examination. Also additional tests, such as an exercise stress test, electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, X-rays, a CT or MRI scan, blood tests, and cardiac monitoring will be conducted to diagnose CAD.

Treatment: The treatment for CAD focuses on repairing or reversing the damage that's already been done and reducing the risk factors to prevent further damage and future events that could be life threatening. It includes:

1. Lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting more physical activity
2. Losing weight if needed
3. Medications to control blood pressure and lower cholesterol
4. Other medications such as aspirin or other blood thinners, nitroglycerin to control angina, and calcium channel blockers to relax the muscles around the arteries
5. Surgery to bypass the blocked arteries
6. Angioplasty and stent placement to open up the blocked arteries

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Seek immediate medical help if you are having severe chest pain that may be associated with nausea or sweating and shortness of breath. 
2. Consult a Doctor in case of  any symptoms of CAD, or in case of  any of the conditions that put you at risk for CAD, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. 
3. Preventive Tips to lower the risk for CAD and include: 

a. Eating a heart healthy diet.

b. Quit smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.

c. Exercise for at least 30 minutes 

d. Manage stress

e. Proper diabetes managerment plan