Coronary Artery Disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. In this article, we will discuss all the details related to this condition.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of coronary artery disease. It occurs when plaques composed of fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up inside the arteries. Over time, this leads to narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries, restricting the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. Here are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disease:

• Men over 45 and women over 55 years old
• High intake of saturated fats
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Physical inactivity
• Insufficient sleep
• Family history of heart disease
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Obesity
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
• Metabolic syndrome
• Hormonal contraceptive use
• Endometriosis

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms

This disease may present no symptoms since artery blockage develops over years. The most common symptom is intense chest pain, but many people only discover their condition when experiencing a heart attack, which may involve symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Pain in the arms or shoulders

Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

If several risk factors and symptoms are present, the doctor may recommend some tests to diagnose the disease, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test to assess heart function under exertion
• Chest X-ray
• Cardiac catheterization to inspect the arteries internally and assess blockages
• Coronary CT angiography
• Coronary artery calcium scan

Coronary Artery Disease Treatment

Coronary artery disease can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and following the treatment plan set by the doctor. Here are some ways to control this disease:

Lifestyle Changes 

Healthy habits play a major role in managing coronary artery disease, including:

• Quitting smoking
• Adopting a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats. For example, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish, with extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source.
• Regular exercise, such as walking or other activities for 30 minutes daily, five times a week.

Managing Co-existing Conditions 

Some conditions increase the risk of coronary artery disease, so it is recommended to control conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides.

Medications 

Doctors may prescribe medications to help manage coronary artery disease symptoms, including:

• Beta-blockers: These reduce blood pressure and heart rate, especially for patients who have had a heart attack, lowering the risk of another heart attack.
• Calcium channel blockers: These are recommended if beta-blockers are unsuitable or ineffective and help reduce chest pain.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: These help reduce bad cholesterol and plaque buildup, including statins, niacin, fibrates, and bile acid sequestrants.
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs: These lower blood pressure and may help prevent coronary artery disease from worsening.
• Aspirin: This thins the blood to prevent clots. Low-dose aspirin is sometimes recommended for primary prevention of heart attacks or strokes in certain people. However, daily aspirin use may cause serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, so it should only be taken with a prescription.

Medical Procedures and Surgery 

Some patients may need medical procedures or surgery to improve blood flow to the heart. Examples include:

• Coronary angioplasty: Also called balloon angioplasty, this procedure reopens a blocked coronary artery to improve blood flow. A stent may be inserted to help keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery: This surgery is performed when the blockage is severe and cannot be resolved with angioplasty. A new pathway is created to bypass the blockages, restoring blood flow to the heart.

In conclusion, coronary artery disease develops gradually due to atherosclerosis, often caused by unhealthy habits. We recommend following healthy practices like regular exercise, avoiding high-fat foods, and undergoing routine check-ups if you have a family history of heart disease.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16898-coronary-artery-disease

https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/coronary-artery-disease.html