Yashoda Hospitals > Health Faqs > Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease, also known as CAD, is a heart condition characterized by the narrowing of arteries (blood vessels) due to plaque buildup. Coronary arteries provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, helping it pump blood. Any form of plaque or fatty deposits makes the arteries narrow and stiff. This, in turn, results in a decrease or block in blood flow to the heart muscle. Eventually leading to chest pain (angina), heart attack, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), or stroke and  it could turn fatal.

Lakhs of Indians suffer from this condition. Medically, coronary artery disease is also known as ischemic heart disease.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Coronary Artery Disease

    The primary cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis or the deposition of plaque in the arteries. Plaque buildup is composed of fat, calcium or cholesterol. Doctors say that this deposition may begin in childhood and continue over the years as one grows older. The thickening of this plaque results in coronary artery disease.

    Generally, people above the age of 45 and with a family history are prone to this condition. Those suffering from existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, or even those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, often consume alcohol and have unhealthy eating habits are at higher risk. However, as the most common heart condition, everyone is susceptible to coronary artery disease.

    The warning signs of coronary artery disease depend on the seriousness of the condition. For some, it may be mild chest pain (angina) or noticeable weakness at short time intervals. For others, it may include, heaviness or pressure in the chest and breastbone, radiating pain to the arm, jaw, leg or back, sudden difficulty in breathing or unexplained anxiety.

    Many a time, warning signs of clogged arteries may go unnoticed until an incidence of chest pain or a heart attack occurs. One must look out for minute details such as shortness of breath now and then, mild chest pain, discomfort while walking up and down a flight of stairs, heart palpitations, nausea or weakness.

    A specialist usually undertakes a thorough physical examination while noting family history, symptoms and lifestyle habits. Depending on the severity of a condition, a doctor recommends one or more of the following tests: an ECG or electrocardiograph, a stress test, a coronary calcium scan, an echocardiogram or even a cardiac catheterization.

    Worldwide, cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiography, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease. A coronary angiogram is a series of X-rays taken in real-time, which helps identify blockages or clogged arteries. Usually, this test is undertaken under local anesthesia and takes about one hour to complete.

    Arterial plaque can be diagnosed with several tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, electrocardiograms (ECGs), cardiac stress tests, echocardiograms, MRIs, PET Scans and even coronary angiograms. A doctor will recommend one or more of these tests depending on one’s physical and medical condition, family history, overall fitness and lifestyle habits.

    Doctors generally begin by recommending lifestyle modifications such as mild exercise, reduced alcohol intake and a healthy heart diet. The administration of certain medications also helps treat this condition or lower its severity. Additionally, doctors recommend interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty or a stent. In some cases, patients may require a CABG or coronary artery bypass graft.

    While coronary artery disease is not 100% preventable, there are several steps one can undertake to prevent extensive heart damage. Small lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, becoming active, eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining weight can help reduce risk factors. It is essential to lower such risk factors to reduce the risk of CAD.

    Once a doctor diagnoses coronary artery disease in a patient, he may recommend lifestyle changes, medicine, interventional procedures or even surgery. Surgery is suggested purely based on the medical and physical condition of the patient. Such a procedure can help boost blood supply to the heart while significantly improving one’s condition.

    There is no fixed time an individual could take in recovering from coronary artery surgery. It can range anywhere from 2-8 weeks, depending on the type of surgery undertaken, one’s medical history, age and severity of the condition. One must keep in mind that it is essential to follow all doctor recommendations, be prompt with follow-ups and timely medication.

    For a free second opinion or any other questions that you may have, get in touch with our experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

    References

    1. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-coronary-artery-disease
    2. https://medlineplus.gov/coronaryarterydisease.html
    3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16898-coronary-artery-disease
    4. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/clogged-arteries-arterial-plaque
    5. https://www.healthline.com/health/coronary-artery-disease

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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