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Key Points
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in
which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your
heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.
- Plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces
blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots
will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood
flow.
- CAD can lead to
angina,
heart
attack,
heart
failure, and
arrhythmias
(irregular heartbeats).
- CAD is the most common type of heart disease.
It's the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.
- Research suggests that CAD starts when certain
factors damage the inner layers of the coronary arteries. When damage occurs,
your body starts a healing process. This healing causes plaque to build up
where the artery is damaged. Over time, the plaque may crack and causes blood
clots to form in the arteries. This can worsen angina or cause a heart attack.
- Many factors raise the risk of developing
CAD. Major risk factors include
unhealthy
blood cholesterol levels,
high
blood pressure, smoking, insulin resistance,
diabetes,
overweight
or obesity,
metabolic
syndrome, lack of physical activity, age, and a family history of early
heart disease.
- Common symptoms of CAD are angina and shortness
of breath. However, some people have no signs or symptoms. This is called
silent CAD. It may not be diagnosed until a person shows signs and symptoms of
a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.
- Your doctor will diagnose CAD based on your
medical and family histories, your risk factors, and the results of diagnostic
tests.
- Treatment for CAD may include lifestyle changes,
medicines, and medical procedures. Lifestyle changes include following a heart
healthy eating plan, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy
weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
- Taking action to control your risk factors can
help prevent or delay CAD. You can take action by making lifestyle changes
and/or taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
- If you've been diagnosed with CAD, you can
control the disease with lifestyle changes and medicines. See your doctor
regularly, and call him or her if you develop any new symptoms or your symptoms
become more severe.
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Living With Links
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