What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common heart condition. It occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood, become narrowed or blocked. This narrowing or blockage is usually caused by the buildup of substances such as cholesterol in the arteries over time, reducing the amount of blood reaching the heart muscle. Because of its gradual progression, many people with the disease may not experience any symptoms for years. Plaques formed by the buildup can eventually rupture, leading to clot formation, which may result in a heart attack. For this reason, CAD is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer.”
According to a report by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), coronary artery disease was the leading cause of death in Turkey in 2022.
Types of Coronary Artery Disease
There are two main forms of the disease:
- Chronic Coronary Artery Disease:
In this form, the coronary arteries gradually narrow over the years. As time passes, your heart receives less oxygen-rich blood. During physical exertion, sudden blood pressure increases, or emotional stress, you may feel symptoms such as chest pain, burning, palpitations, or a pressure sensation that spreads to the arms and jaw. These symptoms typically last for 3-5 minutes and subside with rest. While these symptoms may allow you to continue with daily activities, they are warning signs of blocked heart arteries and warrant further investigation. - Acute Coronary Syndrome:
This form is a medical emergency that develops suddenly. A plaque in the coronary artery ruptures unexpectedly, forming a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to the heart. This sudden blockage leads to a heart attack, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Risk Factors
There are various risk factors for coronary artery disease. While it may not be possible to eliminate all risk factors, many can be reduced through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and regular physical activity. The key risk factors include:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Stress
- Age (above 45)
- High intake of carbohydrates and fats
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor sleep habits
- Sleep apnea
- Anemia
- Use of birth control pills
- Early menopause (before age 40)
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed? What Tests are Conducted?
To diagnose coronary artery disease, your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tools, including:
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Stress test
- CT angiography (virtual angiography)
- Coronary angiography
- Blood tests
- Cardiac MRI
Rather than relying on just one of these tests, your doctor may recommend a combination of them to accurately diagnose the disease.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?
Treatment options for coronary artery disease vary based on the severity and progression of the disease. Treatments range from lifestyle changes and medication to heart surgery. The treatment approach is determined by factors such as the patient’s age, symptoms, the degree of artery blockage or narrowing, and the condition of the heart muscle. The most important aspect of treatment is making lifestyle changes, which can help reduce risk factors and improve the effectiveness of medical treatments. Treatment options for coronary artery disease include:
- Medication and lifestyle changes
- Balloon angioplasty or stenting procedures
- Bypass surgery
Remember: The treatment plan for coronary artery disease is tailored to your specific condition and test results by your doctor.
