ABOUT THE DISEASE

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle. When a fatty substance called plaque builds up inside the thickened walls of these arteries, it blocks or slows down the flow of blood - this thickening of the inside walls of the coronary arteries is called atherosclerosis which leads to coronary artery disease. This disruption in blood supply to the heart muscles may lead to angina or a heart attack.

SYMPTOMS

• • Angina - feels like a squeezing pain or pressing feeling in your chest, but also in your neck, arms, stomach, or upper back
• • Shortness of breath
• • Heart attack

These are observed more after a physical activity or emotion.

CAUSES

- Age
- Family history
- Nicotine consumption (smoking)
- Drinking more than 1 drink a day
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure & a stressful life

DIAGNOSIS

- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress test
- Coronary Angiography

TREATMENT METHODS

Most people who have CAD can manage with medicines. Medicines called beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates can help relieve angina.

In severe cases, Angioplasty or a Bypass surgery (CABG) may be suggested.

You may also like to learn about:

Heart attack
Heart failure
Arrhythmia
Heart valve disease
Cardiomegaly
Carotid artery disease