Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries). It may be chronic, narrowing of the coronary artery over time and limiting the blood supply to part of the muscle. Or it can be acute, resulting from a sudden rupture of plaque and formation of a blood clot.
Living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates good nutrition, weight management and getting plenty of physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease.
The traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
- High LDL cholesterol
- Low HDL cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- For women—being post-menopausal
- For men—being older than 45
- Obesity may also be a risk factor
Typical warning signs of coronary artery disease are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms,
don’t delay-call 911.