Coronary Artery Disease >>>

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed with plaque.   Plaque is made up of cells, fat and cholesterol.  The coronary arteries are large vessels on the outside of the heart that are prone to plaque deposits.

 

Plaque development occurs over many years and many people will not have symptoms until a near or total blockage of a coronary artery occurs. 

Plaque can obstruct the flow of blood to the heart. If plaque ruptures or if it blood flow becomes totally obstructed, a heart attack or “myocardial infarction” occurs.  Chronic obstructions that are severe but not yet caused a heart attack, may cause chest pain or damage the heart muscle.

 

CAD in its early stages my not cause symptoms and most people will be unaware that they have plaque developing, therefore it is prudent to have you cholesterol checked and know your risk factors.  CAD has many risk factors; some which can be changed and some that can’t. 

 

Risk factors include:

□ Age over 50 for men, 60 for women,

□ Smoking

□ Elevated cholesterol levels

□ Family history of premature heart attacks in first degree relatives

□ Diabetes

 

A low fat diet, exercise, and maintaining normal cholesterol levels are essential to preventing plaque formation.  In addition, smoking cessation is central to promoting a healthy heart and reducing your risks for heart attacks, high blood, aneurysms, stroke, kidney disease and cancers.

 

Cardiologists specialize in treating coronary artery disease and have ways to assess your risk, assess for blockages and treat them before a heart attack can occur.  A high suspicion for heart disease can be formed by obtaining a medical history and identifying risk factors.  Treatment is aimed at reducing risk factors, identifying blockages and restoring blood flow to the coronary arteries.