Spotting Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms: Recognizing Signs of Blocked Arteries

Heart disease is a catch-all phrase used to denote an array of conditions affecting the structure, dynamics, and functioning of the cardiovascular system (heart and vessels). It is amongst the leading causes of global fatalities. Coronary heart disease is one of these conditions that specifically refers to a situation where the heart's arteries struggle to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Its also known as coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease, primarily affecting the major coronary arteries on the hearts surface.

Globally, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and reduction in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). This disease causes 129 million DALYs and almost 7 million deaths each year, which has a significant & impact on the entire world's health index as well as economical status. The rise in the prevalence of this heart disease in India is associated with social and economic transformation, as well as its aftereffects, which include altered eating patterns, decreased physical activity, and a rise in the prevalence of & metabolic diseases diabetes and hypertension.

Because metabolic risk factors are getting worse, it is anticipated that fatalities from non-communicable diseases, such as CAD, will increase in the ensuing decades. The solution to this issue may lie in encouraging the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, preventing risk factors, and raising general coronary artery symptom awareness. Moreover, early detection and timely treatment can reduce damage associated with this disease and improve the likelihood of a full recovery. This article gives insight to this heart diseases symptoms. Also know the potential risk factors and ways to prevent it in the following article.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

The narrowing or blockage of your coronary arteries, which provide your heart with oxygen-rich blood, is known as coronary artery disease. This occurs as a result of plaque (cholesterol lump) building up in these arteries over time, which reduces the amount of blood that can get to your heart muscle.

Imagine that two lanes of traffic merge into one because of construction. Though it moves a little more slowly now. When you have CAD, you might not become aware of any problems until a blood clot is caused by the plaque. Blood clot is similar to a concrete barrier in the middle of the road which ultimately results in a traffic jam. In the same way, a heart attack results from blood not getting to your heart.

It is possible to have CAD for many years without experiencing any symptoms until you have a heart attack. CAD is a silent killer because of this.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?

At first, symptoms might not be noticed, or they might only show up when the heart is beating rapidly, as during physical activity. Less and less blood reaches the heart as the coronary arteries get constricted, which can lead to more severe or frequent symptoms. Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease can include:

• Angina (chest pain): Your chest might feel constrictive or under pressure. Usually, the left or middle side of the chest is where the chest pain is felt. Angina can be caused by physical activity or intense emotions. The triggering event usually ends minutes later, at which point the pain usually subsides. Some people, particularly women, may experience sudden or intense pain in the back, arm, or neck.
• Breathlessness: It's possible that you're having troubled breathing.
• Fatigue: You may experience unusual fatigue if your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body's demands.
• Heart Attack: A heart attack is brought on by a totally blocked coronary artery. Sweating, shortness of breath, shoulder or arm pain, and crushing chest pain or pressure are the classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Less common symptoms that women may experience include fatigue, nausea, and jaw or neck pain. Certain heart attacks have no symptoms at all.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

The accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, and other materials on the inner walls of the heart arteries is the first sign of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is the term for this medical condition. The accumulation is known as plaque. Blood flow can be obstructed by narrowed arteries due to plaque. Additionally, the plaque may rupture and cause a blood clot.

Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

In addition to excessive cholesterol, the following factors may affect the coronary arteries:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Anemia
• Chronic kidney disease
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Metabolic syndrome
• HIV/AIDS
• BMI higher than 25
• Sleep apnea.
• Early menopause (before age 40)
• History of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or eclampsia
• Endometriosis
• History of hormonal birth control intake

How to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease?

Because certain risk factors are beyond your control, it is not always possible to prevent coronary artery disease. However, you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of coronary artery disease and stop it from getting worse:

• Resolve to give up all tobacco use, including smoking.
• Consume heart-healthy meals.
• Make time to sleep.
• Maintain a weight that is appropriate for you.
• Restrict your alcohol intake.
• Increase your movement.
• Continue taking your prescription drugs.
• Manage your presiding medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and others by following the medication schedule properly

Conclusion

There can be a range of emotions when you find out you have coronary artery disease. You might not understand how this could occur. You might experience sadness or regret for not acting in a different way to prevent this diagnosis. However, it is better to look forward than backward at this point. Give up feeling guilty or responsible. Rather, make a commitment to developing a heart-healthy plan that starts today.

Together with your doctor, make lifestyle adjustments that you can handle. Find out about available treatments for your heart condition, including prescription drugs. Share your goals and how they can support you with your family and friends.

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FAQs

Q1: Which five signs indicate coronary heart disease?

A: Heart attacks are caused by totally blocked coronary arteries. A heart attack's classic warning signs and symptoms include sweating, shortness of breath, shoulder or arm pain, and crushing chest pain or pressure. Less common symptoms for women could include weariness, nausea, and jaw or neck pain.

Q2: What is the coronary artery disease's initial warning sign?

A: Early on, you might not experience any symptoms at all. However, as the plaque thickens and reduces blood supply to the heart muscle, you might experience exhaustion or shortness of breath, particularly when you're exercising. Chest pain, also known as angina, is the most typical sign of CAD.

Q3: Which course of action is best for treating coronary artery disease?

A: Coronary angioplasty with implantation of stents. The purpose of this procedure is to unclog heart arteries. Another treatment option is coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. To open up a new blood vessel in the heart, a surgeon removes a healthy blood vessel from another area of the body.