Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscles and increasing the risk for heart attacks or angina. This blog post will provide an overview of CAD, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, treatments available, and prevention strategies so readers can better understand this medical condition and prioritize maintaining their heart health.

Causes:

The primary factor contributing to the formation of plaque in coronary arteries is high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, family history of heart disease, and sedentary lifestyle also play significant roles in developing CAD. Additionally, infections like influenza may trigger inflammation within the body, promoting the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arterial walls.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of CAD vary depending on the severity of plaque buildup and damage to heart tissue. Common signs include chest pain or discomfort during physical activity (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, and unexplained weight loss. Women experiencing these symptoms may attribute them to menstrual cramps, whereas men might dismiss them as stress-related or caused by minor injuries. However, seeking immediate medical attention for persistent symptoms could help diagnose CAD early and prevent complications.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing CAD involves a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic tests, and imaging studies such as ECG, treadmill stress test, cardiac CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or nuclear medicine scan. Blood tests measuring cholesterol levels, glucose, and other markers may aid doctors in making a preliminary diagnosis based on patient history and physical examination results.

Treatment:

Medical treatment options depend on several factors including age, overall health status, severity of symptoms, and presence of any underlying diseases. Treatment generally involves medications such as statins or nitrates which lower cholesterol and widen blood vessels respectively; blood pressure drugs to manage hypertension; antiplatelet agents preventing blood clots from forming. In severe cases where medication fails or cardiovascular surgery becomes necessary, procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) restore blood flow to the affected area using synthetic tubes or stents respectively.

Prevention Strategies:

Preventive measures significantly reduce the incidence and progression of CAD. Lifestyle modifications encompass eating healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding saturated fat and trans fat intake. Engaging in regular physical activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga helps maintain optimal body weight and improves heart function. Quitting smoking entirely and limiting alcohol consumption further reduces the risks associated with CAD development and complications. Regular checkups and monitoring vital parameters, especially those related to cardiovascular system health, facilitate timely interventions before conditions escalate into serious illnesses.

Coronary artery disease remains a silent killer posing grave threats to global health security. Educating ourselves about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis approaches, treatment alternatives, and prevention strategies empowers us to take charge of our hearts’ well-being. Practicing heart-healthy habits promotes longevity and quality of life while reducing healthcare costs associated with treating chronic conditions like CAD. Remember, prevention begins at home – adopt healthier lifestyles today and safeguard your heart tomorrow!

To consult a Cardiologist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call 9830117733.

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