Coronary artery disease is a prevalent kind of heart disease. The primary blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) are having difficulty sending enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is generally caused by cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries and inflammation. 

Coronary artery disease symptoms emerge when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause chest discomfort (angina) and shortness of breath if you have coronary artery disease. A heart attack can be caused by a total obstruction of blood flow.

Coronary artery disease generally develops over time. Symptoms may go unrecognized until there is a substantial blockage or a heart attack occurs. A heart-healthy lifestyle can aid in the prevention of coronary artery disease. 

Coronary heart disease is another name for coronary artery disease.

Symptoms 

Symptoms may go unnoticed at first, or they may appear only when the heart is working hard, such as during exercise. As the coronary arteries constrict more, less and less blood reaches the heart, and symptoms might worsen or become more frequent. 

Signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

-> Chest ache (angina): You may have chest pressure or tightness. Some report feeling as though someone is standing on their chest. Chest discomfort is most commonly felt on the center or left side of the chest. Angina can be triggered by physical activity or emotional emotions. The discomfort normally subsides within minutes of the triggering event. Some people, particularly women, may have short or acute discomfort in the neck, arm, or back. 

-> Breathing difficulty: You may feel as if you are out of breath.

-> Fatigue: You may feel particularly weary if your heart is unable to pump enough blood to fulfill your body's demands. 

-> A heart attack occurred: A heart attack is caused by a totally clogged coronary artery. Crushing chest pain or pressure, shoulder or arm discomfort, shortness of breath, and perspiration are all typical indications and symptoms of a heart attack. Women may experience less common symptoms such as neck or jaw discomfort, nausea, and weariness. Some heart attacks have no visible indications or symptoms.

When should you see a doctor? 

If you believe you are experiencing a heart attack, call your local emergency number right away. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, arrange for a ride to the nearest hospital. Only drive yourself as a last resort. 

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a significant family history of heart disease all increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Consult your doctor if you are at high risk of coronary artery disease. You may require tests to look for clogged arteries and coronary artery disease.

Causes 

When lipids, cholesterols, and other chemicals accumulate on the inner walls of the heart arteries, coronary artery disease develops. This is known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is the term for this accumulation. Plaque can restrict the arteries, preventing blood flow. The plaque might potentially rupture, causing a blood clot. 

Aside from excessive cholesterol, the following factors might damage the coronary arteries: 

-> Insulin resistance or diabetes 
-> Blood pressure is high. 
-> Inadequate physical activity (sedentary lifestyle) 
-> Tobacco usage or smoking

Risk elements 

Coronary artery disease is quite frequent. The health of the heart arteries can be affected by age, genetics, other health issues, and lifestyle choices. 

Risk factors for coronary artery disease include: 

-> Age: The risk of damaged and constricted arteries increases with age. 

-> Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop coronary artery disease. However, for women, the risk increases after menopause. 

-> A family tree: A family history of heart disease increases your chances of developing coronary artery disease. This is especially prevalent if a close relative (parent, sibling) had heart disease when they were young. The risk is greatest if your father or brother acquired heart disease before the age of 55, or if your mother or sister developed it before the age of 65.

-> Smoking: Quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking is harmful to one's heart health. People who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease. Inhaling secondhand smoke also raises the danger. 

-> Blood pressure is high: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can harden and stiffen vessels (arterial stiffness). The coronary arteries may constrict and impede blood flow. 

-> High cholesterol levels: A high level of bad cholesterol in the blood might raise the risk of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad cholesterol. A lack of healthy cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also contributes to atherosclerosis.

-> Diabetes: Diabetes raises the chances of developing coronary artery disease. Obesity and high blood pressure are risk factors for both type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. 

-> Obesity or being overweight: Excess body weight is harmful to one's overall health. Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Inquire with your doctor about what constitutes a healthy weight for you. 

-> Kidney illness that is chronic: Chronic renal illness raises the risk of coronary artery disease. 

-> Inadequate physical activity: Physical activity is essential for maintaining excellent health. Sedentary lifestyle is associated with coronary artery disease and certain of its risk factors.

-> There was a lot of stress: Emotional stress may cause arterial damage and exacerbate existing risk factors for coronary artery disease. 

-> Unhealthy eating habits: Consuming meals high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar raises the risk of coronary heart disease. 

-> Consumption of alcoholic beverages: Heavy alcohol consumption can cause heart muscle damage. It can potentially exacerbate existing coronary artery disease risk factors. 

-> Sleeping time: Both insufficient and excessive sleep have been related to an increased risk of heart disease.

Risk factors frequently coexist. One risk factor might set off another. 

Certain risk factors, when combined, make you more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Metabolic syndrome, for example, raises the risk of coronary artery disease by combining high blood pressure, high blood sugar, extra body fat around the waist, and high triglyceride levels. 

Coronary artery disease can occur without any of the traditional risk factors. Other potential risk factors for coronary artery disease are:

-> Sleep causes breathing pauses (obstructive sleep apnea): During sleep, this condition causes breathing to cease and start. It can result in abrupt reductions in blood oxygen levels. 
The heart must exert more effort. Blood pressure rises. 

-> C-reactive protein with high sensitivity (hs-CRP): When there is inflammation in the body, this protein emerges in greater quantities than usual. High hs-CRP levels may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The amount of hs-CRP in the blood is expected to rise when coronary arteries constrict. 

-> Triglyceride levels are high: This is a form of lipid (fat) found in the blood. High levels have been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, particularly in women.

-> Homocysteine: Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body requires to develop and maintain tissue as well as to generate protein. High amounts of homocysteine, on the other hand, may raise the risk of coronary artery disease. 

-> Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and elevated protein in the urine are symptoms of this pregnancy problem. It can increase the chance of developing heart disease later in life. 

-> Other problems of pregnancy: Diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy are both established risk factors for coronary artery disease. 

-> Some autoimmune disorders: People with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory diseases are more likely to develop atherosclerosis.

Complications 

Coronary artery disease may result in: 

Chest ache (angina). When the coronary arteries constrict, the heart may not get enough blood during it is most needed, such as when exercising. This can result in angina (chest discomfort) or shortness of breath. 

A heart attack occurred. A heart attack can occur when a cholesterol plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms. A clot can impede blood flow. A shortage of blood might cause heart muscle injury. The extent of your injuries is determined in part by how fast you are treated. 

Failure of the heart. Heart arteries that are narrowed or high blood pressure can gradually weaken or stiffen the heart, making it difficult to pump blood. Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should.

Prevention 

The same lifestyle practices that are used to treat coronary artery disease can also be utilized to avoid it. A healthy lifestyle can help maintain arteries robust and plaque-free. Follow these guidelines to enhance your heart health: 

-> Stop smoking 
-> Control hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes. 
-> Exercise often. 
-> Keep a healthy weight. 
-> Consume a low-fat, low-sodium diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 
-> Stress may be reduced and managed.

By Recmed Medical - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Team