Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease that occurs in the heart. It develops when there’s damage in the flow of blood in your arteries. This supplies blood into your heart.

CAD is a common form of heart disease. A heart attack is the first sign of CAD. It affects millions of people in the US. It’s also one of the leading causes of death to both men and women.

This condition can also lead to different complication. But there’s a way you can do to prevent and treat this kind of disease. A medication and lifestyle change can be of great help to decrease your risk.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

The cause of this disease is a plaque that builds up in the wall of arteries. The damage may be caused by the following:

• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The symptoms of CAD are the following:

• Chest Pain (Angina)
• Short Breathing
• Chest Tightness
• Numbness
• Squeezing
• Aching
• Painful feeling
• Burning
• Heart Attack

The above-said symptoms may be mistaken as indigestion or heartburn.

Other symptoms that you may experience are:

• Pain in the arms/shoulder
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Muscle Pain
• Palpitations
• Faster Heartbeat
• Nausea

More symptoms are arising along the way if you’re blood flow becomes restricted. If the blockage will occur. It cut off your blood flow, this can result in a heart attack.

Seek for a medical attention. If you happen to experience the symptoms listed above.

SYMPTOMS OF CAD IN WOMEN

Women can experience the same symptoms. But they are more likely to experience the following:

• Back Pain
• Jaw pain
• Short Breathing without chest pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea

DIAGNOSIS

In doing the diagnosis of CAD, it requires the following:

• Review of your Medical History
• Physical Exam
• Other Medical Testing

After the doctor has done the above-said test. A different test will follow such as:

• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Stress Test
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Heart CT scan

PREVENTION TIPS TO AVOID CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The following are prevention tips to avoid developing the disease. And to improve your heart health such as:

• Quit Smoking.
• Stay physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce and manage stress.
• Control health condition (e.g high blood pressure, high cholesterol & diabetes)
• Limit your alcohol.

HOW TO TREAT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

The treatment for CAD requires a lifestyle change and medical drugs if needed. A medical procedure can also perform.

The drugs may include:

• Aspirin
• Beta Blockers
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Cholesterol-modifying Medication
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
• Nitroglycerin
• Ranolazine

Some option treatment may include:

• Angioplasty and Stent Placement (percutaneous coronary revascularization)
• Coronary Bypass Surgery
• Enhanced External Counterpulsation

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR CAD:

• Fish and Fish Oil
• Flax and Flaxseed Oil
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Other supplements include:

• Artichoke
• Barley
• Beta-sitosterol
• Cocoa
• Garlic
• Oat Bran
• Sitostanol