Coronary Artery Disease

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Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where your arteries in your heart have become narrow or blocked completely. Coronary artery disease may cause chest pain and puts people at risk for heart attacks and congestive heart failure. According to studies CAD is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Cholesterol (fatty deposits) and cells that cause inflammation collect inside of the artery walls causing plaque to form. Oxygen cannot get to the heart muscle when the arteries are narrow or blocked. When areas of your heart are not getting oxygen, you may experience some discomfort or chest pain. This causes you to stop or slow down. After you rest for a while you start feeling better and the pain goes away.

Risk factors of getting CAD are smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary life, and a family history of heart disease.

Books to read on CAD

Signs and symptoms of CAD
People may not have any symptoms at first but when the arteries become blocked or too narrow, people will start experiencing chest pain (Angina pectoris). Chest pain is the most common symptom of CAD. This pain is caused by a blockage or spasms of the arteries in your heart. Immediate treatment is needed in order to prevent a heart attack. Sometimes the first symptom of CAD is a heart attack.



Angina pectoris can occur in the form of stable angina or unstable angina

  • Stable angina is the most common symptom of chest pain. It can start below the breast bone and may feel tight, crushing, or heavy. The pain may move to the neck, jaw, shoulders, back, or inner arms. Pain below the breast bone may be experienced and feels like indigestion or burning. The pain often starts slow and may last only a few minutes.

    Stable angina may be caused by physical activity and may be triggered by getting upset or other things that may put stress in you body. Rest or medicine usually makes the pain go away.

  • Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs more often or occurs with less activity than before. The pain may start while you are resting or with exercise. You may still have pain after activity. Unstable angina is a warning sign that a person may have a heart attack.

    CAD is diagnosed by blood tests, 12 lead EKGs, heart angiogram, echocardiograms, and stress tests.

    Life style changes like exercising, changes in your diet, losing weight, quit smoking, stop drinking, may be required of you in order to improve your CAD. You need to speak with your Doctor before you start making any of these changes.





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