Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition that affects the heart and its ability to receive oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms of CAD can be mild or more severe and can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Other red flags of CAD include:
Angina: Angina is chest pain that occurs when the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. It can be described as squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest.
Arrhythmia: This is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause palpitations, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Peripheral Vascular Disease: This is when the arteries to the legs, arms, and other organs become blocked, leading to swelling, pain, or numbness in the affected areas.
Elevated Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a sign that the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood.
Elevated Cholesterol Levels: High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing CAD.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop CAD.
Family History: If you have a family history of CAD, you may be at an increased risk for developing it yourself.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease
There are a number of risk factors for CAD, including:
Smoking: Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of developing CAD.
Age: CAD is more common in older adults.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop CAD than women.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of CAD.
High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage the arteries, leading to CAD.
High Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of CAD.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop CAD.
Family History: If you have a family history of CAD, you may be at an increased risk for developing it yourself.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
If you think you may have CAD, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will take a medical history, do a physical exam, and may order tests such as an EKG, stress test, or other imaging tests. Treatment of CAD may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising, as well as medications such as statins and beta-blockers. In some cases, surgery or angioplasty may be necessary to open blocked arteries.