Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common types of heart disease worldwide. It develops when the major blood vessels that supply the heart—called coronary arteries—become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This condition can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle and lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or more serious complications such as a heart attack.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies of coronary artery disease can help people take proactive steps toward better heart health.

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What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the coronary arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis, and over time, it can limit or block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, it may not function properly—especially during physical activity or stress.

CAD can develop over many years, often with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It’s a leading cause of heart attacks and a significant contributor to heart failure and arrhythmias.

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Common Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Symptoms can vary depending on how much blood flow is restricted. The most typical signs include:

1. Chest Pain (Angina)

This is the most common symptom of CAD. Angina usually feels like pressure, squeezing, or burning in the chest. It may also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It often occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress and goes away with rest.

2. Shortness of Breath

Reduced blood flow can lead to breathlessness, particularly during activity or when lying down. This symptom is often linked to heart failure caused by untreated CAD.

3. Fatigue

When the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, it may result in unusual tiredness—even with minimal physical effort.

4. Heart Attack

In some cases, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack. Symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, dizziness, sweating, or pain in other parts of the upper body. In women, symptoms may be subtler, like fatigue or back pain.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

Several factors can lead to the development of plaque buildup in the arteries. The most common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unbalanced diet
• Chronic stress
• Excess body weight
• Family history of heart disease
• Older age

While some factors like age and family history can’t be changed, many risk factors are manageable through lifestyle choices and medical treatment.

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Complications of Coronary Artery Disease

If left untreated, CAD can lead to several serious health problems:

• Heart Attack: Occurs when a plaque ruptures and forms a blood clot, completely blocking blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
• Heart Failure: The heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that can be life-threatening.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A complete stopping of heart function, often fatal if not treated immediately.

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Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

Doctors may use several tests to diagnose CAD, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity
• Stress Test: Evaluates how the heart works during exercise
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of the heart
• Coronary Angiography: X-ray imaging of coronary arteries using contrast dye
• CT Coronary Angiogram: A non-invasive way to view the coronary arteries

These tests help doctors understand the severity of the disease and plan appropriate treatment.

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Treatment Options for Coronary Artery Disease

The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow to the heart and prevent complications. Depending on the condition, options may include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress
• Reducing alcohol consumption

2. Medications

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)
• Blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners (aspirin or others)
• Nitrates to relieve angina

3. Medical Procedures

• Angioplasty and stenting: Opens blocked arteries using a balloon and places a stent to keep them open
• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): Uses blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass narrowed arteries

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Preventing Coronary Artery Disease

Prevention focuses on minimizing controllable risk factors. Key steps include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Staying physically active, aiming for 30 minutes of exercise most days
• Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol regularly
• Keeping blood sugar levels in check, especially for those with diabetes
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol use

Routine health checkups are essential, especially for people with family history or other risk factors.