Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease develops when the major blood vessels, the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart are not able to provide enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the muscle. Cholesterol buildup in these arteries most often leads to coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to a lack of blood flow and, eventually, a heart attack. 

Coronary artery disease develops slowly and can often go unnoticed for decades until a large enough cholesterol plaque has built up. Signs may only present themselves once the heart is beating rapidly, like during exercise. Symptoms of coronary artery disease to pay attention to include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Heart attack

Other than high cholesterol, CAD can be caused by:

• Diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• Smoking or tobacco use
• A sedentary lifestyle

• Age. Your risk of developing damaged or narrowed arteries increases with age.
• Sex. The risk of coronary artery disease is higher in men than in women. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.
• Family history. A family history of heart disease makes you more likely to develop coronary artery disease.

• Quit smoking
• Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Manage stress

Coronary artery disease is often diagnosed using some type of test, like an echocardiogram or stress test. Treatment includes medicinal or surgical options, like angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, when an artery needs to be unblocked.