Coronary Artery Disease
Also known as: CAD, Heart Disease, Hardening of
the Arteries or Atherosclerosis
What is it?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a build up of
plaque, a fatty-like substance, which narrows the
inner walls of heart arteries. It is a
combination of plaque and blood clot that clogs
the arteries and can cause heart attacks and
strokes.
Who gets it?
Heart disease affects all ages and races. It
is the #1 killer of both men and women in the
USA. Risk factors that can increase or speed up
one’s risk for developing CAD include gender,
increasing age, family history of heart disease,
smoking, diabetes, high fat diet/elevated
cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, high
levels of stress, and lack of routine exercise.
What are the symptoms?
While symptoms of CAD will vary with each
individual, in general they may include
"chest pain" or angina. Angina is a
painful or uncomfortable feeling in the chest,
neck, back, shoulders, arms, and/or jaw. This can
be described as tightness, aching, burning and/or
pain in any of the previously mentioned areas.
Other symptoms of CAD can include nausea,
vomiting, weakness, and/or shortness of breath
(SOB).
Diagnosis
Many tests will help cardiac specialists to
confirm the diagnosis of CAD.
These may include blood tests, a 12-lead
electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest x-ray, stress
testing, echocardiogram and ultimately a cardiac
catheterization (angiography).
Treatment
Medical treatment generally includes
medications, risk factor reduction, along with
close follow-up with your health care team.
Angioplasty or coronary interventions to open the
clogged artery may also be used depending on the
location and severity of the CAD. Coronary
interventions may include balloon angioplasty,
stenting, and atherectomy (plaque removal).
The main surgical treatment for CAD is
coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG. This
creates a ‘bypass route" for blood to flow
around the clogged vessels to your heart. Recent
advancements in CABG surgical treatments include
minimally invasive approaches to this operation;
however, this approach is not for everyone and
would require an evaluation from a cardiothoracic
or "heart" surgeon.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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