The most prevalent type of heart disease, coronary artery disease claims the lives of millions of people annually globally. It is brought on by the accumulation of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (vessels supplying blood to heat muscles). Consequently, these plaques obstruct blood flow, which paves way for the conditions for heart attacks and strokes. A significant cause of this accumulation can be attributed to dietary and lifestyle decisions. However, our genetic makeup, which we inherit from our parents, also significantly influences our susceptibility to such heart disorders.
Experts are examining the possibility of reversing coronary artery disease (CAD). Adjustments in lifestyle can help minimize harmful symptoms and complications of such heart diseases. When the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, coronary artery disease starts exhibiting signs and symptoms appear. Breathlessness and angina (chest pain) are symptoms of diminished blood flow to the heart in people with coronary artery disease. A heart attack can be spurred on by a total blockage of blood supply.
Coronary artery disease typically takes decades to manifest. It's possible that symptoms won't be recognised until a heart attack or a large blockage happens. However, coronary artery disease can be avoided by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Certain home remedies can help people control their symptoms of CAD and enhance their heart function. These treatments might aid in delaying the CAD's progression. A shift in lifestyle that can help control symptoms and lower the chance of life-threatening consequences is quitting smoking, managing weight, exercising, and changing your eating habits.
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What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease is typically brought on by inflammation and cholesterol buildup (plaques) in the heart arteries. Heart disease takes into account various conditions that impact the heart structure and its functioning. However, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent and well-known type. A heart attack may result from a waxy buildup in the heart's arteries caused by CAD. It is possible to prevent or treat CAD and other cardiac conditions with healthy habits, medications, and procedures. The coronary arteries, which are the main blood vessels supplying the heart, have difficulty supplying the heart muscle with enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients.Read Also: CTVS Full Form and Meaning: Everything You Need to Know About Cardiothoracic Surgery
What are Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Symptoms?
At first, symptoms might not be noticed, or they might only show up when the heart is beating rapidly, as during physical activity. Less and less blood reaches the heart as the coronary arteries narrow, which can lead to more severe or sudden symptoms. Following are signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease are:- Pounding heart rate
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Sudden unexplained unconsciousness
- Chest/upper body pain or pressure
- Pain in neck
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lower body swelling
- Exhaustion
- Sleep disorders
- Loss of exercising ability
- Fever
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Causes
The accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances on the inner walls of the heart vessels is the first sign of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is the term for this illness. The accumulation is known as plaque. Blood flow can be obstructed by narrowed arteries due to plaque. Additionally, the plaque may rupture and cause a blood clot.In addition to excessive cholesterol, the following factors may increase your risk of getting coronary artery disease:
- Diabetes (insulin resistance)
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking/tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Heart muscle scarring
- Genetic predisposition
- Abnormal kidney function
- Infections
- Thyroid disorders
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Aging
- Injury to heart muscles
- Heart attacks
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pregnancy
- Chemotherapy
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
How to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
It is possible to prevent coronary artery disease with certain lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can aid in maintaining strong, plaque-free arteries. Use these suggestions to enhance heart health:- Give up smoking
- Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Work out frequently
- Sustain a healthy weight
- Consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in fat and salt
- Decrease and control your stress
What are the Complications of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Certain heart diseases have the potential to cause other heart diseases. Heart disease can cause a number of life-threatening complications, such as:- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Cardiogenic shock
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiac arrest
- Damage to your organs like kidneys or liver
- Pulmonary hypertension
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Treatment?
- On the basis of your heart condition, your doctor will suggest following lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
- Changing your lifestyle like cutting saturated fats from your meals, minimizing tobacco usage, or enhancing your physical activity.
- Taking medicine to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, minimize the risk of heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Surgeries or procedures including open-heart surgery, minimally invasive surgery, ablation, catheterization procedures, stent placement, or cardioversion.
- Cardiac rehab program for strengthening your heart after a heart attack with the help of nutritional counseling and monitored exercise.
Conclusion
Because of the vital role that your heart plays, it's critical to recognise the early warning signs of a heart problem. Many heart conditions progress with time. The most effective way of successfully controlling heart disease is early detection. Discuss the best ways to prevent heart disease or stop its progression with a medical expert. You can control or manage your risk factors easily with lifestyle modifications.Choose Asian Heart Institute for right and timely heart treatment. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: Can someone with CAD live a long life?A: The severity of the ailment and the course of treatment are two major factors influencing the survival rate for CAD. Nonetheless, the majority of CAD patients can lead long and fulfilling lives if they receive early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Q2: What is the severity of coronary artery disease?
A: Individuals who have coronary artery disease are more vulnerable to heart attacks and other heart-related problems that can be life-threatening or severely incapacitating. This results in symptoms like dyspnea and chest pain, which are referred to as cardiac angina in clinical terms.
Q3: Is it possible to cure CAD?
A: For now, there is no treatment for CAD. Doctors can, however, suggest therapies to help control symptoms. Treatments and lifestyle modifications can also lower a person's chance of developing heart attack-related complications from CAD. Researchers are still working to develop new CAD therapies.
Q4: Is a blocked artery detectable by an ECG?
A: These blockages have the potential to permanently harm the heart if left untreated. Signs of this syndrome and any concomitant heart damage can be seen on an ECG. A doctor can usually observe alterations to the ST segment during an acute blockage. Furthermore, Q waves may be a clue to a prior heart attack.
Q5: Can heart blockage be lessened by walking?
A: Walking has many advantages and is among the best forms of exercise for heart health. According to the American Heart Association, it can enhance blood pressure, energy levels, cholesterol levels, and battle weight gain to enhance heart health overall.
