Coronary Artery Disease

Overview

Coronary artery disease happens when major blood vessels supplying the heart becomes narrowed or blocked. When there is no sufficient blood supply, it is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This impairs the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain or discomfort, Pain spreading from chest to the jaw or arms, Shortness of breath, Heavy sweating, Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness, Fainting, Fatigue

Common Causes

Injury or damage to the inner layer of coronary arteries due to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking, Buildup of cholesterol plaques on the walls of the arteries supplying the heart muscles

Risk Factors

High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Diabetes, Unhealthy diet, Lack of physical activity, Being overweight or obese, Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, Excessive alcohol intake, Increasing age, Male, Family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Blood test for cardiac enzymes (troponin T and troponin I), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Exercise stress test, Echocardiogram, Cardiac catheterisation and angiogram, Computerised tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle changes such as stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, Medications such as nitroglycerin, beta blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blockers, aspirin, statins, niacin, fibrates, Angioplasty and stenting, Coronary artery bypass grafting

Psychological Issues

Stress