Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease also known as coronary heart disease is the result of the build up  fatty materials, scar tissue or plaque and calcium in the arteries which then slows the flow of blood that goes to the heart and cutting off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart that causes angina or chest pain. There are some cases where the blood flow that goes to the heart is completely blocked which then result to heart attack (myocardial infraction) or a fatal rhythm disturbance (sudden cardiac arrest).

One of the major causes of death and disability, coronary artery disease is the leading reason of death of men and women over 20 years old. It is also observed to be more common in older people and in males. Most individuals with coronary artery disease show no evidence of the disease as it progresses not until the first onset of symptoms finally arise which is often a sudden heart attack.

The typical early sign of coronary heart disease are angina and shortness of breath with exertion. Other symptoms though include fast heart beat, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and increased perspiration.

The tendency to develop coronary artery disease can be attributed to genetics and the risk of getting the disease increase as one gets older. However, certain lifestyle factors may also contribute to its development.

Cigarette and tobacco smoking contribute in doubling the risk of acquiring coronary artery disease as compared to non-smokers. Excessive alcohol consumption raises your blood pressure and therefore weakens the heart too. The workload of the heart increases with high blood pressure which cause it to enlarge and then weaken as time pass by. Having high cholesterol level helps increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

If one is believed to have coronary heart disease, a coronary angiograph maybe requested by a physician as this is the only certain way to diagnose and measure the extent of the disease.