Coronary Artery Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious heart condition caused by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It usually results from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). When these arteries narrow, the heart receives less oxygen, which can lead to serious health problems such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attack.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

• Chest pain (angina): A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest area
• Shortness of breath: Worsens during physical activity
• Fatigue: Feeling tired even during everyday activities
• Heart palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Excessive sweating and nausea: Especially common during a heart attack

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

The main causes of coronary artery disease include:

• Smoking
• High cholesterol and hypertension
• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Overweight and obesity
• Inactive lifestyle
• Stress and unhealthy diet

Treatment Methods for Coronary Artery Disease

Treatment of coronary artery disease may include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical interventions.

• Healthy Diet: Consuming low-fat, high-fiber foods
• Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of walking or light physical activity per week
• Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol
• Medication: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta blockers
• Angioplasty and Stenting: Minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries
• Coronary Bypass Surgery: A surgical method used for severe blockages