Coronary Artery Disease
- Understanding Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common heart condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to various heart-related symptoms and complications.
- Causes and Risk Factors:CAD typically develops over time due to factors such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diet. Aging and genetics can also increase the risk of developing CAD.
- Prevention and Management:Preventing and managing CAD involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress, and controlling conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.Treatment options for CAD may include medications to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and prevent blood clots, as well as procedures like angioplasty and stent placement to open narrowed or blocked arteries. In severe cases, coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Regular medical check-ups and monitoring are essential for managing CAD effectively and reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.
