Coronary Artery Disease

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrow or blocked. This happens because of a buildup of fatty substances called plaque. When blood flow is reduced, the heart does not get enough oxygen, which can lead to serious problems, including heart attacks.

In Africa, heart diseases are rising fast. Many people assume that heart conditions only affect the elderly or the wealthy, but research shows that young and middle-aged Africans are increasingly at risk due to unhealthy lifestyles, stress, and poor access to medical care. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases including CAD are responsible for more than 1 in 10 deaths in Africa.

How common is coronary artery disease in Africa?

  • Heart diseases are becoming one of the leading causes of death in Africa.
  • 1 in 5 adults in Africa has high blood pressure, a major risk factor for CAD.
  • Unhealthy diets, smoking, stress, and a lack of exercise are increasing CAD cases.
  • Many people in Africa do not recognize the symptoms early, leading to complications.

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

When the heart does not get enough blood, it struggles to work properly. The most common warning sign is chest pain or discomfort (angina), which may feel like:

  • A heavy pressure on the chest
  • A tight or squeezing sensation
  • A burning or aching pain
  • A feeling similar to heartburn or indigestion

Other signs of CAD include:

  • Pain in the arms, shoulders, back, or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Excessive sweating, even in cool weather

If the blood flow to the heart is completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack, which is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes.

Do CAD symptoms differ in women?

Yes. Women may experience the usual symptoms but are also more likely to have:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Back or jaw pain
  • Shortness of breath even without chest pain
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness

Many women ignore these signs, assuming they are just stress or tiredness. It is important to take them seriously.

What causes coronary artery disease?

The main cause of CAD is a condition called atherosclerosis, which means plaque (fat and cholesterol) builds up in the arteries, making them narrow and hard. This reduces blood flow to the heart.

What are the risk factors for CAD?

Many things increase the risk of CAD. Some of these are lifestyle-related, meaning you can control them, while others like age or family history cannot be changed.

Lifestyle factors (can be changed):

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels (caused by eating too much fatty food)
  • Smoking (damages arteries and reduces oxygen in the blood)
  • Diabetes or high blood sugar
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Unhealthy diet (too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats)
  • Excess alcoholconsumption
  • Chronic stress

Other risk factors (cannot be changed):

  • Age: Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk.
  • Family history: If your parents or siblings have CAD, you may be more likely to develop it.
  • Pregnancy complications: Conditions like preeclampsia can increase the risk.

How is CAD diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose CAD through different tests, depending on your symptoms:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks the heart’s electrical activity to see if it has been damaged.
  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart and check its function.
  • Stress test: Measures how your heart reacts to exercise.
  • Heart CT scan: Detects calcium buildup in the arteries.
  • Cardiac catheterization: A procedure to check how well blood flows through the arteries.

How can CAD be treated?

If you are diagnosed with CAD, the goal is to improve blood flow to the heart and prevent complications.

Lifestyle changes to reduce CAD risk

These steps can help prevent and manage CAD:

  • Quit smoking (if you smoke, stopping will improve your heart health immediately).
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet (less salt, less fried food, more fruits, and vegetables).
  • Exercise regularly (brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week helps strengthen the heart).
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Manage stress (deep breathing, prayer, and talking to loved ones can help).
  • Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels if you have hypertension or diabetes.

Medications for CAD

Doctors may prescribe medicines to:

  • Lower cholesterol (statins)
  • Control blood pressure (antihypertensives)
  • Reduce blood clot risk (aspirin or blood thinners)
  • Relieve chest pain (nitroglycerin)

Medical procedures for severe cases

If lifestyle changes and medicines are not enough, doctors may suggest procedures to open blocked arteries:

  • Balloon angioplasty and stent placement: A small balloon is inserted into the artery to open it up, and a stent (a tiny wire mesh) is placed to keep it open.
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery: A healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked artery, improving blood flow.
  • Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP): A non-invasive procedure that helps the heart form new blood vessels to bypass blockages.

Final thoughts?

Heart disease is no longer just a problem in the western world, it is a growing health challenge in Africa. The good news is that 80% of heart diseases, including CAD, can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.