Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What is it?

Caused by a build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries that results in diminished blood flow to the heart, coronary artery disease is the most common serious cardiac diagnosis. CAD can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack, arrhythmia or heart failure.

What causes CAD?

CAD is caused by the accumulation of fatty plaque (atherosclerosis) along the artery walls. Plaque is made mostly of cholesterol, other lipids, and fibrous tissue, such as collagen. CAD is believed to develop over the course of a lifetime, often beginning at an early age and progressing slowly until the vessels become so blocked (or occluded) that the heart is unable to get adequate blood supply. An unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking and genetics are contributing factors.

What are the symptoms of CAD?

• Chest pain. The chest pain (or angina) that characterizes CAD is often described as feeling like someone is standing on your chest, or as an intense pressure, tightness or burning. Often brought on by physical or emotional stress, the pain may go away when the stress stops. Pain may also be experienced in the upper abdomen, back, arm, shoulder or neck.
  
• Shortness of breath. If your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you may develop symptoms of heart failure — shortness of breath, extreme fatigue with exertion, and swelling in your feet and ankles.
• Heart attack. A completely blocked coronary artery may result in a heart attack. The classic symptoms of a heart attack include crushing pain in your chest, pain in your shoulder or arm, sweating and shortness of breath. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience other warning signs of a heart attack, including nausea and back or jaw pain. Sometimes a heart attack occurs without any apparent signs or symptoms.

How is CAD treated?

Treatment options for CAD can include lifestyle change, medication and surgical procedures, depending on the severity of your condition.