Learning about coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is also called heart disease or atherosclerosis. It is the hardening of the blood vessels by fatty deposits called plaque.

The heart must get oxygen and nutrients to work well. Blood carries the oxygen and nutrients to the heart through the blood vessels called arteries. As the plaque builds up, blood flow to the heart muscle is decreased. When blood flow is decreased, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack to occur.

Signs

You may not have any signs or you may have:

-Pain or pressure in your chest, arm, jaw, shoulders or neck. It may spread from one place to another.

-Feeling of tightness, heaviness, squeezing or burning

-Sweating -Shortness of breath

-Nausea -Feeling very tired, dizzy or faint

Risk Factors

You are at higher risk for getting coronary artery disease if you: -Have a family history of the disease -Have high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure -Smoke or use tobacco -Are inactive -Have stress -Are overweight

Changing even one risk factor can improve your heart health. You can prevent the disease from getting worse and may even help to improve it.

Your Care

The goal is to improve blood flow to your heart muscle and decrease your risk of heart attack.

Your care may include: -Medicines -Exercise -A low fat diet -Treatment or Surgery -A cardiac rehab program

No matter what type of care is done, it does not cure the disease. You need to change your risk factors and follow your care plan.

Talk to your doctor about your care or any questions you may have.

Article funded through the Asian Health Initiative of Tufts Medical Center