What is Coronary Artery Disease?
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. Coronary Artery Disease also known as CAD and is the build up of plaque in the artery walls that supply oxygenated blood to the organs in the body.
Who does it effect?
Anyone can develop Coronary Artery Disease at any time. CAD may take time to develop through a process called Atherosclerosis, a build up of plaque in the artery walls. Knowing your risk factors can help you determine whether you are at risk for developing CAD. Some risk factors that may put one at risk for developing CAD are:
Age
Pre-existing health conditions
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Being overweight
Physical Inactivity
Family History of Heart Disease
Chronic Stress
Smoking
*It is important to check in with your primary care provider if any if you have one or more of these risk factors to reduce the risk of developing any form of heart disease.
What are symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Common symptoms of CAD are:
Shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue during activities
Heart attack or Ischemic Stroke
*It is Important to check in with your primary care provider if any of these symptoms apply. Your primary care provider will determine the best tests to determine if you have CAD and how to treat it.
How to prevent Coronary Artery Disease?
Through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise, one can lower the risk of developing CAD. It is important to understand that a minimum of 120 minutes of exercise per week is essential to keep the heart healthy and strong.
Visit the American Heart Association website to learn more about heart health: