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Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease, is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, this can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. In severe cases, CAD can cause a heart attack.
Synopsis
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The most common symptom of CAD is angina, which is a feeling of chest pain or discomfort. Angina pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest. It may also feel like burning, indigestion, or heartburn. Angina pain typically occurs during physical activity, emotional stress, or cold weather. It usually goes away within a few minutes of rest or medication.
Other symptoms of CAD can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Weakness.
Contact Manipal Hospitals for a cardiac angiogram coronary under the supervision of the best cardiologists in Bangalore.
Blockage in Heart Symptoms: Understanding Cardiac Ischemia
Cardiac ischemia is a condition that occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other coronary artery disease symptoms. Cardiac ischemia can be a sign of CAD, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as a spasm in a coronary artery.
Early Warning Signs of Coronary Artery Disease
The early warning signs of CAD can be subtle and may be easily mistaken for other conditions. However, it is important to be aware of these signs so that you can seek medical attention early on. One of the most common early warning signs of CAD is chest pain, also known as angina. Angina is typically a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. It may also be described as burning, aching, or indigestion. Angina pain is often triggered by exertion, stress, or cold weather.
Dr. Rakesh Deshmane, Consultant - Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Manipal Hospitals, Goa, explains how coronary artery disease is diagnosed and treated, and the types of procedures performed at the hospital. Watch the video to know more!
Coronary Artery Disease Treatments
The goal of treatment for CAD is to reduce the risk of heart attack and other complications. Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle Changes: These include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Medications: These can help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. They can also help to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack.
- Medical Procedures: These include angioplasty and stenting, which are used to open up narrowed arteries. In some cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary. CABG is a major surgery that involves grafting a piece of blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery.
Coronary artery disease is a serious condition, but it is preventable and treatable. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CAD, it is important to see a doctor right away. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can reduce your risk of heart attack and other complications.
FAQ's
Early warning signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be subtle and easily overlooked. Common symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, and sweating.
Factors that increase your risk of CAD include age, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
To reduce your risk of CAD, quit smoking, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, control your weight, eat a healthy diet, and get regular exercise.
If you experience any coronary artery disease symptoms, see your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can reduce your risk of heart attack and other complications.
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