Also known as: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) / Ischaemic Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. It is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Coronary artery disease is responsible for approximately 9 million deaths annually, making it the single leading cause of death globally. It develops over decades as cholesterol-laden plaque accumulates in coronary arteries.
Stable angina occurs when narrowed arteries limit blood flow during exertion. Acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) occurs when plaque ruptures, forming a clot that suddenly blocks flow.
Modern management combines aggressive risk factor modification, medications, and revascularisation procedures to prevent events and improve survival.
People with Coronary Artery Disease often experience the following symptoms.
Chest pressure, tightness, or squeezing during exertion, typically relieved by rest within minutes.
Breathlessness during activities that were previously tolerable, indicating inadequate cardiac output.
Pain or discomfort radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen.
Up to 25% of heart attacks occur without recognised symptoms, particularly in diabetics and elderly patients.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Coronary Artery Disease.
Common approaches to managing coronary artery disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Smoking cessation, Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, and weight management form the foundation of treatment.
Statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and beta-blockers reduce events and improve survival.
Balloon angioplasty with stent placement to open blocked arteries. Primary treatment for heart attacks.
Surgical bypass for severe multi-vessel disease, providing long-term survival benefit in selected patients.
ECG for ischaemic changes, stress testing (exercise or pharmacological), coronary CT angiography for non-invasive assessment, and cardiac catheterisation for definitive diagnosis.
Call emergency services for chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, pain spreading to arm, jaw, or back, or chest pain with sweating, nausea, or breathlessness — these may indicate a heart attack.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening coronary artery disease.
Stop smoking
Control cholesterol with statins if indicated
Manage blood pressure
Regular exercise and healthy diet
If left untreated or poorly managed, coronary artery disease may lead to:
Intensive lifestyle changes and statin therapy can stabilise and sometimes modestly reverse plaque. Prevention is more effective than reversal.
Risk assessment should begin at age 20 with cholesterol screening. Risk increases significantly after 45 (men) and 55 (women).
No. Many conditions cause chest pain. But chest pain with exertion or at rest should always be evaluated by a doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.