Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease (IHD), is a condition that develops when the major blood vessels supplying the heart—called the coronary arteries—become damaged or diseased. The most common cause of this damage is a buildup of cholesterol-containing deposits, known as plaque, on the inner walls of the arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis. Over time, these plaques can harden or rupture, leading to a narrowing or complete blockage of the arteries, which significantly restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
CAD is often a result of a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables. Family history of heart disease, advancing age, and male gender are also contributing risk factors. Many of these risks are modifiable through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
Symptoms of CAD vary among individuals. Some may have no symptoms at all, a condition known as silent CAD, until a major event like a heart attack occurs. Others may experience shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, or even nausea. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), stress testing, echocardiography, and coronary angiography.