What Is Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is the result of cholesterol buildup in the coronary arteries. This cholesterol becomes a hard plaque that sticks to the artery walls, reducing blood circulation and the amount of oxygen supplied to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

In CAD, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced. This condition can develop slowly, so symptoms may be subtle, though some people may experience them suddenly.

The main symptoms include:

• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating to the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back
• Heaviness, tightness, or soreness in the chest
• Dizziness or a fainting sensation
• Nausea and/or excessive sweating
• Irregular or rapid heartbeats

Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease

There are several risk factors for coronary artery disease that can significantly increase the chances of developing this condition.

These factors include medical conditions and lifestyle habits that negatively affect the health of the arteries and the heart in general.

Some of these risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes or medical treatment, but other factors, such as age or family history, cannot be changed and therefore must be considered for a proper assessment of cardiovascular risk. The most common risk factors include:

• High LDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and low HDL cholesterol
• Diabetes
• A diet high in saturated fats
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Family predisposition
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease

The diagnosis of coronary artery disease requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation that begins with the patient’s medical history and the identification of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or smoking.

Likewise, it is important to identify typical symptoms like angina pectoris and dyspnea, especially during physical exertion.

A physical examination and initial tests such as a resting electrocardiogram, blood tests, and stress tests are essential to evaluate heart function and detect possible signs of ischemia.

Subsequently, imaging studies such as a cardiac echocardiogram, a coronary CT scan, or a cardiac MRI may be requested to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease.

A coronary angiography is a procedure that can be used in cases where clinical suspicion is high but test results are inconclusive, as it allows for a direct visualization of the coronary arteries to locate significant blockages.

Treatment for Blocked Arteries in the Heart

The goal of treatment for coronary artery disease is to improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms, and prevent serious complications, such as heart attacks, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may begin with lifestyle changes and the use of medications to help control conditions like blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and prevent the formation of blood clots.

For more advanced cases, or in those people whose symptoms do not improve with medication, more invasive medical interventions may be required. One of the most common options is a coronary angioplasty, which is the placement of a stent to open blocked arteries. Another procedure that may be required is coronary bypass surgery, which redirects blood flow around blocked arteries.

Regardless of the type of treatment needed, continuous medical follow-up and cardiac rehabilitation are key components for maintaining control of the disease and reducing the risk of future cardiovascular events.

Preventing Coronary Artery Disease

The prevention of coronary artery disease is mainly based on adopting measures to lead a healthy lifestyle and control known risk factors.

A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and is low in saturated fats and sugars is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.

It’s also important to get regular physical activity, with at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. This helps strengthen the cardiovascular system, control weight, and reduce blood pressure.

It is essential to avoid tobacco use and moderate alcohol consumption, as these habits are highly related to arterial damage, as well as other heart and general health problems.

Controlling existing diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, through regular medical checkups and adherence to the proper treatment also plays a crucial role.

Good education about cardiovascular health and the early recognition of symptoms can make a difference in preventing serious complications.

At the Heart Failure Clinic at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!