What are the common symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Common symptoms of coronary artery disease include chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and, in some cases, pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arm. Some individuals may experience nausea, lightheadedness, or sweating.
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
Coronary artery disease is diagnosed through patient history, physical examination, and tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), stress testing, echocardiogram, coronary angiography, and, sometimes, cardiac CT scans to assess blood flow and identify blockages in the coronary arteries.
What are the treatment options for coronary artery disease?
Treatment options for coronary artery disease include lifestyle modifications (such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation), medications (like statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors), and medical procedures (such as angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting). The choice of treatment depends on the severity and specific condition of the patient.
Can lifestyle changes help prevent coronary artery disease?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help prevent coronary artery disease. Adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing stress and blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk. These changes improve heart health and decrease the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.
What are the risk factors for developing coronary artery disease?
Risk factors for developing coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, diabetes, age (especially being older than 45 for men and 55 for women), genetics or family history, and stress.