Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Symptoms & Treatment

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. CAD symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. Treatment for CAD ranges from lifestyle changes and medication to advanced procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery. If you experience persistent chest pain or other CAD signs and symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

Your heart is like an engine that keeps your body running, and your arteries are the fuel lines supplying oxygen-rich blood. But what happens when these essential blood vessels become narrowed or blocked? This is how coronary artery disease (CAD) develops.

CAD develops when plaque (a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) builds up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can lead to CAD symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

It is one of the most common forms of cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. But with early detection and proper management, CAD can be treated and even prevented.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

The tricky thing about CAD symptoms is that they often develop gradually. Some people may not notice anything until the condition becomes severe. Here are the most common coronary artery disease symptoms to watch out for:

Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina)

A tight, squeezing, or burning sensation in the chest is a common coronary artery disease symptom. The pain may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back and is often triggered by physical activity or stress. It usually improves with rest but can signal a serious heart issue if persistent.

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing, even with mild exertion, can indicate CAD. When the heart struggles to pump enough blood, oxygen supply decreases, causing breathlessness. It may occur alone or with chest pain.

Fatigue

Unusual tiredness, even without strenuous activity, can be an early sign of CAD symptoms. Poor blood circulation makes the body work harder, leading to exhaustion. This is more common in women.

Heart Palpitations

A fluttering or irregular heartbeat may indicate an insufficient blood supply to the heart. While occasional palpitations are harmless, frequent episodes could be a sign of coronary artery disease.

Dizziness or Light-headedness

Feeling faint or unsteady, especially during activity, can result from reduced blood flow to the brain. If dizziness is persistent or occurs with chest pain, medical attention is needed.

In severe cases, CAD can lead to a heart attack, which has more intense symptoms like severe chest pain, nausea, sweating, and sudden shortness of breath.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

The primary cardiovascular disease cause is atherosclerosis—when fatty deposits narrow the arteries. Several factors contribute to this condition:

High Cholesterol

Excess LDL (bad) cholesterol sticks to artery walls, forming plaques that narrow blood vessels. This restricts blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of artery disease symptoms like chest pain and heart attacks. A diet high in saturated fats and processed foods is a major contributor.

High Blood Pressure

Constant high pressure damages artery walls, making them more prone to plaque buildup. Over time, this forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of CAD and heart failure. Poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise often contribute to hypertension.

Smoking

Tobacco chemicals weaken and inflame blood vessels, making them more likely to develop plaque. Smoking also lowers oxygen levels in the blood, forcing the heart to pump harder. This significantly raises the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Diabetes

High blood sugar damages arteries and promotes inflammation, accelerating plaque buildup. Diabetes is often linked with other risk factors like high cholesterol and obesity, further increasing the likelihood of CAD symptoms. Managing blood sugar is crucial for heart health.

Poor Diet

A diet loaded with processed foods, unhealthy fats, and excess sugar can trigger obesity, high cholesterol, and inflammation—key drivers of coronary artery disease symptoms. Swapping in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk.

Lack of Exercise

Physical inactivity leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, and poor circulation, all of which contribute to CAD. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves blood flow, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Even a daily brisk walk can make a difference.

Family History & Age

If close relatives have had CAD or heart attacks, your risk is higher. Aging also increases plaque buildup, making CAD symptoms more common. While genetics can’t be changed, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can lower overall risk.

Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease

The right treatment for CAD depends on the severity of the condition. It may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical procedures. 

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet: Eating a heart-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent cardiovascular symptoms.
• Regular Exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily improves circulation and lowers blood pressure.
• Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking reduces the risk of heart disease significantly.
• Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can lower stress levels and improve heart health.

Medications

Doctors often prescribe medications to manage CAD symptoms, including:

• Statins – Reduce cholesterol levels
• Beta-blockers – Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Aspirin – Prevents blood clots
• ACE inhibitors – Help relax blood vessels

Surgical Treatments

For severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary:

• Angioplasty & Stent Placement: A small balloon is used to widen blocked arteries, and a stent keeps them open.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): In cases of severe blockages, a bypass is created using a blood vessel from another part of the body.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience persistent CAD symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately. If you need expert consultation, you can visit SPARSH, known as the best cardiology hospital in Bangalore. Here you can consult some of the best cardiologists in Bangalore for a thorough evaluation.

Conclusion

Coronary artery disease is a serious but manageable condition. Recognising CAD signs and symptoms early, making lifestyle adjustments, and seeking timely medical care can significantly improve heart health. Whether through medication or surgery, there are multiple treatments for CAD options available. The key is to take action before complications arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for CAD?

The best treatment for CAD depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, while severe blockages may require procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Can you live a normal life with CAD?

Yes, many people with CAD lead full, active lives. Managing risk factors, following a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and taking prescribed medications can keep the condition under control.

What is CAD and its symptoms?

CAD (coronary artery disease) is a condition where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Common CAD symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.

How to avoid heart artery blockage?

To prevent artery blockages, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle:

• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress effectively