Common Coronary Artery Diseases and their Causes

Introduction

The heart is one of the most important organs of the body as it is responsible for pumping blood and transporting it to the entire body. Even the slightest of problems in the heart or the circulatory system might be fatal and life-threatening like coronary artery disease. It can cause blockage in the heart and restrict the oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart. Therefore, we must take care of your heart. There are a lot of heart diseases that are congenital which means by birth and rest are caused due to environmental pollution, toxins, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, sedentary lifestyle, inactive lifestyle, and bad eating habits ( spicy, oily, excessive salty or fatty foods) all these things constitute to heart-related issues. 

If you suspect coronary artery disease-related symptoms, then you can book your appointment with Rukmani Birla Hospital in Jaipur, one of the best multispeciality hospitals in the city. You will find the most talented, experienced, and highly professional healthcare experts there. 

This blog includes a detailed discussion of coronary artery disease including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Make sure to give it a read till the end. However, please note that it is research-based information and we do not promote ignoring the consultation with a doctor in any way. 

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease is a condition that causes an accumulation of fat which is also known as plaque in the arteries. The circulation of blood gets obstructed and the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart narrows the artery which puts a lot of pressure on the heart to pump blood and as a result, it causes a heart attack. Before, it becomes necessary that a person maintains a healthy lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart. And if a person notices discomfort or has shortness of breath or chest pain one should immediately contact the top cardiologist in Jaipur. Since it may be warning signs that there is some deep issue in the heart usually most people ignore these symptoms which leads to a life-threatening condition later on.

What are coronary artery symptoms?

There are various symptoms that a person might experience but it depends upon the condition of the person and the severity of it. To get the best treatment option one must consult the best heart doctor in Jaipur the moment they experience or notice any of the following symptoms. Some of the symptoms might include:

• Pain in the left arm
• Chest pain (angina)
• Discomfort
• Problem with breathing
• Numbness
• Heaviness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Unconsciousness or dizziness
• Blackout
• Heart attack
• Sweating

What are coronary artery disease causes?

Coronary artery disease causes damage and injury to the inner layer of the coronary artery where the plaque is accumulated this obstructs the blood flow to the heart and as a result, the heart has to pump under a lot of pressure as the coronary artery becomes narrow. Various reasons cause artery damage and accumulation of plaque; some of the risk factors and causes might include:
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Inactive lifestyle
• Bad eating habits
• Stress
• Metabolic syndromes
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking
• Obesity

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Coronary artery disease diagnosis is initiated by involving a medical history evaluation, physical assessment, and several diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common tests usually ordered to confirm coronary artery disease conditions:

• Electrocardiogram 
• Blood tests 
• Stress exercise tests like nuclear stress test, stress echocardiography, and exercise stress test. 
• Coronary angiography or cardiac catheterization
• CT angiography 
• Coronary calcium score
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test
• Fractional flow reserve 

What are the options for coronary artery disease treatment? 

Coronary artery disease treatment depends upon the condition of the person and the overall health of the person. The doctor usually prescribes medication and therapy to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure, to control the blood sugar level and if a person is suffering from diabetes the doctor suggests lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart disease. For example, the doctor suggests exercising daily, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet with less salt, sodium, and fat, and in case of obese people losing weight.

Apart from these precautionary measures and treatment options, the other medical procedures the doctor might recommend in cases where medication and lifestyle changes do not work include:

Balloon angioplasty: This is a medical procedure done to widen the blocked artery and to stop plaque buildup by inserting a stent that helps the artery to widen. This helps in maintaining the proper blood flow.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery or CABG: This type of surgery is used to restore the blood flow to the heart. It helps in diverting the blood around the narrowed or blocked artery by making a bypass surgery from where a craft is taken from the leg or arm.

Conclusion

Diagnosing with coronary artery disease leads to countless emotions like confusion, anxiety, fear, and endless thoughts. Well, rather than sitting in one place and being sad about your current situation, it is better to take a step forward and look for options to treat coronary artery disease. Get in touch with your doctor and understand your options. You need to focus on working with your healthcare professional and involve lifestyle changes recommended to you. It is always a good idea to talk to your friends, family, or anyone you know who has experienced the condition. They would be able to guide you better and your journey will become easier. 

FAQ-

 

Can statins reverse coronary artery disease?

Yes, according to different clinical studies, statins help reverse coronary artery disease. 

Is coronary artery disease fatal?

Yes, people with coronary artery disease are at high risk of experiencing heart failure or developing other heart-related conditions. 

How to test for coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease can be tested through different tests such as electrocardiogram, blood tests, stress tests, magnetic resonance imaging, tests, CT angiography, etc.