Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

What is Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease – also called Coronary Heart Disease or Ischaemic Heart Disease – is when fatty substances build up inside the arteries of the Heart. This causes narrowings or blockages resulting in less blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscle.

The worst-case scenario is when the blood flow to the Heart Muscle is completely cut off. This is called a myocardial infarction or heart attack.

What are the main symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary Artery Disease usually develops slowly over time and not everyone has the same symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms may go unnoticed until a blockage causes problems – like a heart attack.

The main symptoms are:

  • chest discomfort/angina pectoris

  • shortness of breath

  • pain in the arms, jaw or back

  • feeling faint

  • nausea/sickness

What causes Coronary Artery Disease?

Your risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease increases significantly if you:

  • Smoke

  • Have High Blood Pressure

  • Have High Cholesterol

  • Have Diabetes

  • Are overweight/obese

  • Don’t exercise regularly

  • Have a strong family history of Coronary Artery Disease

How is Coronary Artery Disease diagnosed?

It all starts with a thorough assessment of your symptoms when you come to your appointment. I’ll be asking detailed questions about your symptoms and you’ll receive a comprehensive physical examination.

Further diagnostics tests may be required like:

  • ECG (Electrocardiogram)

  • Echo (Echocardiogram)

  • Blood Test

  • Chest X-Ray

  • Advanced diagnostic tests like a stress echocardiogram or CT coronary angiogram

What are the treatments for Coronary Artery Disease?

The treatment will be tailored to your needs and can be managed effectively in 3 ways:

1.

lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and smoking cessation)

2.

medication (to control symptoms and stabilise the heart function)

3.

procedures like coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery

How do I live with Coronary Artery Disease?

It is important to be aware of your risk factors and reduce the ones you can control.

The following steps may help prevent problems and feel better:

  • Learn about your condition. It will help you manage it.

  • Choose a heart-healthy diet. Small changes can make big differences.

  • Engage in regular physical activity. It makes the heart stronger.

  • Take your medications as prescribed. They don’t work properly if you don’t take the right dose at the right time.

  • Find ways to cope with stress. Too much stress can be bad for the Heart.