Depending on that, they may suggest one or more of the following tests: an electrocardiogram or ECG, an echocardiogram or soundwave test of the heart, stress test, cardiac catheterization and angiogram, or a cardiac CT scan. They'll be able to look at your medical history, do a physical exam and order routine blood work. How is it diagnosed?ĭiagnosing CAD starts by talking to your doctor. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, substernal chest pain, pain in your shoulders or arms, shortness of breath, and sweating. And if an artery becomes totally blocked, it leads to a heart attack. When your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you might develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue during activities. It may feel like somebody is standing on your chest. And you may begin to notice these signs and symptoms of pressure or tightness in your chest. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. When coronary arteries become narrow, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. All these factors together can paint a picture of your risk for developing CAD. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. Your lifestyle plays a large role as well. Diabetes is also associated with higher risk, as is being overweight. High cholesterol levels can increase the rate of plaque buildup. High blood pressure can thicken your arteries, narrowing your blood flow. But the risk for women increases after menopause. Second, men are generally at a greater risk. First, getting older can mean more damaged and narrowed arteries. There are a number of risk factors, common red flags, that can contribute to this and ultimately lead to coronary artery disease. However, too much buildup can lead to a blockage, obstructing blood flow. It begins when fats, cholesterols and other substances gather along the walls of your arteries. But there are ways to prevent coronary artery disease, and ways to know if you're at risk and ways to treat it. So often, patients don't know that they have it until there's a problem. CAD typically takes a long time to develop. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. CAD happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available.Ĭoronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: I'm Dr.
Heart (cardiovascular) disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups. It's important to watch for heart symptoms and discuss concerns with your health care provider. You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed.Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back.Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina).Symptoms of coronary artery disease can include: Women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. It can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.Ĭoronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. The buildup of these plaques is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. Symptoms of heart disease in the blood vesselsĬoronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease.
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