Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply oxygen rich blood to heart. Plaque consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, waste products, calcium, and clotting factors. High cholesterol, high BP, family history of heart disease, diabetes, smokers, men of age >45 years, postmenopausal women, overweight, physical inactivity causes plaque to accumulate gradually over years, so symptoms occur on later stage.

Symptoms

• Chest discomfort (angina) – heaviness, tightness, fullness, squeezing ache.
• Pain spread to shoulder, arms, neck, jaw and back
• Tiredness, dizziness, and light headiness

Diagnosis

• With ECG, exercise stress test, blood test indicating blood sugar and cholesterol.

Treatment

• Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and to stop angina and reduce blood clot.