What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where the blood vessels that supply your heart become narrowed or blocked. This happens when fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, reducing blood flow. Over time, this can limit the oxygen your heart needs to work properly.

Common causes and risk factors:

• Buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Smoking
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Lack of physical activity
• Excess weight
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of heart disease

Symptoms

Coronary artery disease often develops slowly. Some people may not notice symptoms at first, while others experience signs as the condition progresses.

Common symptoms include:

• Chest discomfort, pressure, or pain
• Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual tiredness during activity
• Nausea or sweating

In some cases, a heart attack may be the first sign.

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will begin with a review of your health history and a physical exam. If coronary artery disease is suspected, additional tests may be recommended.

These may include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart rhythm
• A stress test to see how your heart works during activity
• Imaging tests to look at blood flow and heart function
• Cardiac catheterization to identify blocked arteries
• CT scans to detect calcium buildup in the arteries

These tools help your care team understand how well blood is reaching your heart.

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on improving blood flow and lowering your risk of complications.

Lifestyle changes are often the first step:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Staying physically active
• Quitting smoking
• Managing weight

Medications may be used to:

• Reduce blood clot risk
• Lower cholesterol
• Control blood pressure
• Manage blood sugar levels

If needed, advanced treatments include:

• Angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries
• Procedures to remove plaque from arteries
• Bypass surgery to reroute blood around blockages

With proper care, many people live active lives while managing coronary artery disease.