CAD in medical terms stands for Coronary Artery Disease.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a prevalent heart condition where the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying the heart muscle with blood, oxygen, and nutrients, become narrowed or blocked. This narrowing is usually caused by the buildup of cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques on the inner walls of the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. When the arteries can't deliver enough blood to the heart, it can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart attack (myocardial infarction). CAD is the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Here's a breakdown:
- Coronary: Refers to the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
- Artery: A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
- Disease: A condition that impairs normal function.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing CAD, including:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Older age
Symptoms
Symptoms of CAD can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages. Common symptoms include:
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort, often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, particularly during activity.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.
- Heart Attack: Sudden and severe chest pain, often accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, and dizziness. This is a medical emergency.
Diagnosis
CAD is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests, which may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create an image of the heart.
- Stress Test: Evaluates the heart's function during exercise.
- Cardiac Catheterization: A procedure where a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to visualize the coronary arteries using X-rays (angiogram).
- CT Angiogram: A non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the coronary arteries.
Treatment
Treatment for CAD aims to reduce symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent heart attacks. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management.
- Medications: Statins to lower cholesterol, blood pressure medications, antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin) to prevent blood clots, and medications to relieve chest pain (angina).
- Procedures:
- Angioplasty and Stenting: A procedure where a balloon is used to widen a narrowed artery, and a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure where a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to bypass a blocked coronary artery.
