Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
February is Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases. One of the most common and serious heart conditions is coronary artery disease (CAD). This disease develops when the arteries that supply your heart with blood become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and other complications.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD is a slow and progressive disease that takes years—even decades—to develop. The process begins when inflammation makes the blood vessels “sticky,” allowing cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances to adhere to the arterial walls. This buildup, known as plaque, gradually narrows the arteries, making it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart.
Once plaque starts forming, more cholesterol and debris easily accumulate. Over time, this buildup hardens and calcifies, further restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. In some cases, the plaque can rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot that can completely block an artery. If this happens, it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction) by suddenly cutting off the oxygen supply to the heart muscle, leading to irreversible damage.
Symptoms of CAD
One of the challenges with CAD is that it can progress silently for years without noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease advances and blood flow becomes increasingly restricted, people may begin to experience:
Chest pain or discomfort (angina): This may feel like pressure, tightness, or burning in the chest, often triggered by physical exertion or stress.
Shortness of breath: A sign that the heart is struggling to pump enough blood.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, especially after minimal physical activity.
Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back: This is known as referred pain and can occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen.
Heart attack symptoms: This includes severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain spreading down the left arm. A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Risk Factors for CAD
Several factors contribute to the development of CAD, including:
High cholesterol levels: Excess LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup.
High blood pressure: Puts extra strain on artery walls, making them more susceptible to damage.
Smoking: Increases inflammation, damages blood vessels, and promotes plaque formation.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels accelerate plaque buildup.
Obesity: Being overweight contributes to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart and promotes weight gain.
Unhealthy diet: Diets high in processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars increase inflammation and cholesterol levels.
Genetics and family history: If you have a family history of heart disease, your risk may be higher.
Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can contribute to high blood pressure and inflammation.
Sleep apnea: Disruptions in breathing during sleep can increase the risk of CAD and heart failure.
Why is CAD Dangerous?
As the plaque builds up, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries. This leads to reduced oxygen supply, which can cause chest pain (angina), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and increased risk of heart attacks. If left untreated, CAD can lead to heart failure, a condition where the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively.
Since CAD often progresses without symptoms in the early stages, many people are unaware they have it until significant damage has already occurred. That’s why early detection and prevention are crucial in managing heart health.
Preventing and Managing CAD
The good news is that CAD is largely preventable and manageable with healthy lifestyle choices and, in some cases, medical treatment. Steps to reduce your risk include:
1. Adopting a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (such as fish and poultry), and healthy fats (such as olive oil and nuts).
Reduce intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods that contribute to high cholesterol.
Limit salt and sugar to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
2. Exercising Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (such as running) per week.
Strength training twice a week helps improve heart and muscle function.
3. Managing Stress
Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and inflammation.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and spending time outdoors can help lower stress levels.
4. Controlling Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels through regular checkups and medication if prescribed.
Quit smoking, as it significantly increases the risk of CAD.
5. Managing Diabetes
Keeping blood sugar levels under control reduces the risk of damage to blood vessels.
6. Getting Regular Checkups
Routine blood work and cardiac screenings can detect early signs of heart disease.
Talk to your doctor about tests such as coronary artery calcium scoring or stress tests if you have risk factors.
Treatment Options for CAD
If CAD is diagnosed, treatment may include:
Medications: Such as statins (to lower cholesterol), blood pressure medications, aspirin (to reduce clotting risk), or nitroglycerin (to relieve chest pain).
Lifestyle changes: Even if medication is prescribed, lifestyle adjustments remain the foundation of treatment.
Procedures or Surgery: In severe cases, interventions such as angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) may be necessary to restore blood flow.
Final Thoughts
Coronary artery disease is a serious but preventable condition. Making healthy choices today can help protect your heart for years to come. If you have risk factors for CAD, don’t wait—schedule a visit with your doctor to assess your heart health and take proactive steps toward prevention.
Your heart works tirelessly for you—take care of it in return.
