WHAT IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

Coronary artery disease happens when arteries supplying the heart become narrowed by plaque, increasing risk of angina or heart attack.

Coronary artery disease / atherosclerosis

This condition involves plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

Risk factors include high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and family history.

Many people remain asymptomatic until angina or a heart attack occurs.

Diagnosis can involve ECG, coronary CT, stress testing, and angiography.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications (statins, antihypertensives), PCI, or CABG surgery if severe.

Angina / chest pain

Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It can be stable (predictable with exertion), unstable (occurs at rest, higher risk of heart attack), or variant (Prinzmetal, caused by coronary spasm). 

Symptoms include pressure or discomfort in the chest, sometimes radiating to other areas.

Diagnosis includes ECG, stress testing, and coronary angiography. 

Treatment typically involves medications, lifestyle modification, and revascularization if needed.

Heart attacks / myocardial infarction (MI)

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. It is most often caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque and formation of a clot. Heart attacks can be classified as STEMI (complete blockage) or NSTEMI (partial blockage).

Symptoms commonly include chest pressure or pain, often radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. 

Diagnosis is made with ECG, blood tests for cardiac enzymes (like troponin), and coronary angiography. 

Treatment includes emergency PCI (stenting), thrombolysis in select cases, medications such as antiplatelets, beta-blockers, and statins, as well as cardiac rehabilitation.

WHAT DOES TREATMENT AND SUPPORT LOOK LIKE?

Healthy lifestyle, medications, procedures like stenting or bypass if needed and heart-focused exercise guidance.