What is coronary artery disease?
Your coronary arteries are the major blood vessels responsible for delivering blood and oxygen to your heart. When these arteries become damaged or diseased, they have a more difficult time delivering these essentials, a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD).
What causes coronary artery disease?
It’s currently thought that most cases of CAD begin with an initial injury to the inner lining of the coronary artery. When an injury occurs, a fatty deposit called plaque tends to build up around the injury. When this plaque ruptures, blood cells clump up near the injury, blocking blood flow through the artery.
There are a few factors that can lead to the initial injury of the arterial wall. These include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
Your arteries naturally narrow as you age, making CAD a greater risk as you grow older. Additionally, a family history of CAD may also put you at greater risk for developing the disease.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Initial stages of CAD may not exhibit any symptoms. As time passes and the disease progresses, however, you may experience a tightness or pressure in your chest, called angina. This type of chest pain might occur alongside a shortness of breath.
Left untreated, CAD can lead to arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure.
How is coronary artery disease treated?
The first step to treating your coronary artery disease involves making certain lifestyle adjustments. After reviewing your medical history and current lifestyle habits, Dr. Molina will help you craft changes for a healthier life, being mindful of your preferences. This often includes simple changes, such as quitting smoking, changing your diet, or exercising regularly.
If these treatment options don’t produce the desired results, Dr. Molina might prescribe medications to help your symptoms. Blood thinners, beta blockers, or medications that affect cholesterol levels can help supplement other lifestyle changes to achieve symptom relief.
In severe cases, you might require surgical intervention to help your CAD. Stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery can help open blockages and improve blood flow to your heart.
If you have a family history of CAD or currently experience symptoms related to CAD, the office of César R. Molina, M.D., FACC in Mountain View, California, has experience in the latest treatment options to help get your CAD under control. Call to schedule your consultation or book online.
