Understanding the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease



Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart muscle. This buildup can cause a narrowing of the arteries, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. It’s important to understand the symptoms of CAD so you can seek medical help if you experience them.

The most common symptom associated with CAD is chest pain or discomfort, often referred to as angina. This pain may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest, and it can also radiate into your shoulders, arms, neck or jaw. You may also experience shortness of breath due to decreased oxygen supply to your heart muscle caused by narrowed arteries. Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness or dizziness during physical activity; an irregular heartbeat; nausea; and sweating.

If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis – especially when doing physical activity – it’s important to see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment options. Your doctor will likely perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test to measure how well your heart is functioning before making a diagnosis. Treatment for CAD typically includes lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly; medications such as statins; angioplasty/stenting procedures; or bypass surgery if necessary.

It’s important for everyone – especially those at risk for CAD – to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with this condition so they can seek medical help if needed. If left untreated, CAD can lead to serious complications like heart attack or stroke so early detection is key in managing this condition successfully over time.

Tags:

Coronary Artery Disease, CAD, Plaque, Chest Pain, Angina, Shortness of Breath, Fatigue, Weakness, Dizziness, Irregular Heartbeat, Nausea, Sweating, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Stress Test, Lifestyle Changes, Quitting Smoking, Exercising Regularly, Medications, Statins, Angioplasty/Stenting Procedures, Bypass Surgery, Heart Attack Stroke,

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