Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

CAD mainly results from plaque buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries, which provide blood to the heart and other parts of the body.

Plaque is composed of deposits of cholesterol and other materials in the artery. Over time, plaque development causes the interior of the arteries to narrow, which can either completely or partially obstruct blood flow.

Symptoms of CAD

Coronary Artery Disease symptoms may take a long period of time to present since it’s a chronic condition and plaque buildup takes many years. However, mild symptoms may begin to show up as the patient’s arteries narrow due to the effects of plaque accumulation.

Symptoms of chronic CAD include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Stable angina: Temporary chest pain that comes and goes in a predictable pattern.
• Heart attack: This is usually the first sign of CAD which is associated with the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Chest pain

According to extended research, women are more likely to have additional symptoms which may include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in their shoulders, back, neck, arms or belly
• Racing heart
• Feeling hot

Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

Some of the factors that may put one at a high risk of developing CAD include:

• Being overweight
• Unhealthy eating
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking tobacco
• A family history of CAD

Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

CAD is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and a set of tests.

The doctor will do the following during a physical exam:

• Inquire about the patient’s medical history
• Measure blood pressure
• Listen to the heartbeat using a stethoscope
• Inquire about the symptoms the patient is experiencing and for how long they have persisted
• Inquire about the patient’s lifestyle

Tests used to Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease

• Computerized tomography (CT): This will be used to detect blockages in the coronary arteries.
• Coronary calcium scan determines the calcium content of the walls of your coronary artery.
• Blood tests: This is to investigate for substances that cause damage to the arteries or increase the risk for CAD.
• Cardiac catheterization tubes are inserted into your coronary arteries to assess or verify CAD.
• Fitness stress test examines how your heart reacts when it is working extremely hard.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. It can also identify ischemia, cardiac rhythm problems, and past or present heart attacks.
• Echocardiogram (echo) evaluates the structure and operation of your heart using sound waves.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Recovery

Cardiac rehabilitation is usually recommended for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other conditions that required surgical intervention or medical care.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation can assist these individuals to live better lives and help them avoid having another cardiac episode. Cardiac rehab comprises the following:

• Information on how to live a healthy lifestyle, including how to eat well, take prescribed medications, and how to stop smoking.
• Physical activity
• Counselling to develop methods of stress relief and mental health improvement.