How to Identify Coronary Artery Disease? Signs & Symptoms

We all are concerned about ailments and conditions of health. Out of all these, the health of our heart is highly significant. If your heart is not healthy, it is the first cue of heart disease – a disease which is the primary reason for disability in America, as per the CDC. And, coronary artery disease is among the most common diseases of the heart.

CAD or Coronary artery disease is a lethal disease anyone can develop. It is quite demanding to stop, and it takes almost 370,000 lives in a year. Most of the individuals do not know that they have this disease before suffering from a heart attack. 

Unluckily, it is dangerous if you fail to realize the issue until you get a heart attack. There are different ways to find out if you have CAD, or you are at the possibility of developing CAD before a heart attack. 

Coronary Artery Disease: Causes

This disease results from developing the plaque in the arteries’ walls; it affects the blood supply of your heart. It happens because of cholesterol or other material. Over time, it becomes substantial that arteries become narrower.  And, this plaque can block the flow of blood entirely or partially, according to the CDC. It means the essential arteries in the body cannot provide nutrients, oxygen, or blood to the organs. 

Some factors increase the probability of having CAD. According to the CDC reports, here are the things that can increase your chances of developing CAD:

• Lack of exercise or physical activity, and inactivity
• Being obese or overweight
• Smoking
• Eating junk food
• Family history of heart disease

A piece of good news is if you know the signs and symptoms of CAD, you can take some precautions to prevent it. And, in this way, you can get rid of severe other heart issues and heart attack. 

Signs and Symptoms

Some people consider heart attack as the only symptoms of CAD. But it is not valid! Several ways can help to find out you may have CAD, before putting your life at risk. 

At first, there are no evident symptoms of CAD seen in an individual. If you have no idea that there is a plaque building in the arteries, you can still spend a healthy life. But, when the plaque increases and becomes a significant issue for you, there will be an appearance of symptoms. 

According to Mayo Clinic, you must consult a specialist if you feel these common symptoms of CAD:

Chest Pain

CAD is accompanied by tightness in chest, pressure, or pain. Also renowned as angina, you will feel like there is anything substantial on your chest, on any area, and it is activated by stress. When you are under emotional or physical stress, pain can be on and off, and brief. 

Shortness of Breath

You may feel shortness of breath when your heart is trying to pump blood. It is the first sign that your heart is putting effort, along with other body areas or organs. While doing physical activity, you may feel difficulty in breathing or feel exhausted. 

Heart Attack

A common sign of CAD is a heart attack – and it occurs when there is a complete blockage in the artery. You will experience symptoms such as pain in one side of arms or shoulder, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. 

What to Do After Experiencing Symptoms?

If you experience any symptoms and signs linked with the CAD, it is significant to consult your physician as soon as you can. The doctor can test for coronary artery disease and identify the source of the complications. 

If you leave this disease untreated, it can lead to the severity of the condition. According to Mayo Clinic, CAD can result in several problems such as: 

• Heart attacks
• Angina
• The abnormal rhythm of the heart
• Heart failure

If your doctor diagnoses CAD before you get severe conditions, he will assist you in managing the health. It, in turn, save your life.

As per Medical News Today reports, there is no cure. Your specialist prescribes medicines to assist in reducing the probability of CAD. If the arteries are blocked or too narrow, surgery is the only option left.  

Above all, there are some lifestyle changes that doctor recommend. You can change your habits to get rid of CAD from developing or managing the illness. It includes decreasing or excluding the risk factors by eating healthy, losing weight, and getting active physically. 

Immediately consult with your physician about the potential risk factors and risk level. To prevent CAD, make some alterations to your lifestyle.