Coronary Artery Disease

What is coronary artery disease?

  • CAD happens when fat and cholesterol block the arteries that supply blood to your heart.
  • When blood can’t flow freely, your heart struggles to do its job.
  • If the blockage is severe, it could lead to a heart attack

Signs that your heart needs help?

  • Chest discomfort (tightness, squeezing, or burning feeling).
  • Pain in the arms, shoulders, back, or jaw.
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Feeling dizzy or sweating too much.
  • Women may also feel nauseous or weak.

What causes CAD?

CAD often happens when fatty plaques build up inside your arteries, causing blockages. Some of the main culprits include:

  • Eating too much fatty and sugary food.
  • High blood pressure (stress, alcohol, smoking).
  • Lack of exercise 
  • Diabetes and obesity.
  • Family history

How is CAD Diagnosed?

Doctors check medical history, examine the body, and run tests like:

  • Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to check heart function.
  • ECG: Monitors heart signals to detect past attacks.
  • Stress test: Checks heart performance during activity.
  • Cardiac catheterization: Uses a tube to find blockages.
  • CT scan: Detects calcium buildup in arteries.

How to keep your heart strong?

  • Eat wisely
  • Exercise regularly
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit alcohol
  • Control stress
  • Go for checkups

N.B: If things get serious, doctors can prescribe medication oreven surgery to clear the blockages.

Read More…