Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease affects the heart’s blood nutrition, and this is a very serious condition that affects the heart’s work and causes extremely serious complications if not managed.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which are responsible for transferring oxygen-rich blood to the heart, and that cause a decrease in the blood flow in the heart.

Coronary heat disease (CHD) occurs more in males after the age of 45 and more in females after the age of 55.

Coronary artery disease is very common, and it’s one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

There are two main types of CAD:

• Stable (chronic) coronary artery disease: the coronary arteries get narrowed gradually over years.
• Acute coronary artery disease: it’s an emergency in which the plaque inside the coronary artery ruptures and forms a blood clot, and that leads to a heart attack.

Causes and risk factors leading to coronary artery disease (CAD)

Coronary heart disease occurs as a result of atherosclerosis, which means the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fats, and other substances) inside the artery, and that decreases the blood flow through it.

Some factors that increase the risk of coronary artery disease:

• Family history.
• Smoking and tobacco products.
• Obesity.
• Eating high amounts of saturated fats.
• Not exercising enough.
• High cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Diabetes.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Hypertension.
• Excessive stress.
• Not sleeping enough and sleeping problems, such as sleep apnea.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Anemia.
• Certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Using hormonal contraceptives.
• Some pregnancy problems, such as eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• Endometriosis.
• Early menopause.
• AIDS.
• High levels of homocysteine (a substance that’s used to make protein in the body) and increased sensitivity of C-reactive protein (the amount of this protein increases when there’s an inflammation in the body).

Symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD)

There might not be any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, and symptoms start to appear with the gradual decrease of the oxygen that reaches the heart. Sometimes, the symptoms don’t appear unless after being active, such as during exercising. Some symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Angina, which causes pain, pressure, and heaviness in the chest, and sometimes it causes pain on the neck and arm.
• Tiredness and exhaustion.

In case of a complete blockage of the coronary artery, that leads to a heart attack. Its symptoms are:

• Pain, discomfort, and pressure in the chest.
• The pain spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, and back.
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Cold sweat.
• Tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Heartburn.

Complications of coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Heart attack.
• Arrhythmias.
• Cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest.
• Heart failure.

Diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Physical examination.
• Cardiac tests.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Changing the lifestyle and following a healthy one.
• Specific medications.
• Specific procedures, depending on the case.

Prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid smoking.
• Exercise regularly.
• Lose weight if needed.
• Manage other conditions, if any.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough sleep.