Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the walls of arteries supplying blood to the heart and other areas of the body. Plaque is composed of cholesterol and other components. Over time, plaque build-up can cause the arteries to become progressively narrower, potentially leading to partial or total blockage of blood flow.
Signs and symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The most common symptom associated with coronary artery disease is angina pectoris, which is characterized by pain and discomfort in the chest. The narrowing of the arteries results in chest pain, as the narrowed arteries impede the flow of blood to the heart muscles and to the rest of the body.
For many individuals, the initial indication of CAD is a heart attack. Common symptoms of heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Weakness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder or arms
- Shortness of breath
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
- Obesity/Overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, coronary artery disease is referred to as, “Krimija Hrida Roga”, which is defined as the obstruction of oxygen-rich blood supply through the arteries. When Vata dosha gets aggravated, it causes blockages in the arteries. Additionally, Kapha dosha plays a role in the development of heart disease by causing the arteries to harden.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for coronary artery disease involves lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating right, and exercising more. In some cases, medications (cholesterol drugs, Beta-blockers) and surgeries (coronary angioplasty, stent placement) may also be necessary.
Care offered by SGP’s PSA has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients with coronary artery disease. The primary focus of care delivered by the PSA is to provide relief from pain, manage symptoms, address emotional and psychological distress, and improve overall comfort.
FAQs about Coronary Artery Disease
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Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease due to their high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to the blood vessels in the heart. Additionally, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as obesity that can also increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
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No, coronary artery disease cannot be cured. Luckily, there are effective drugs and treatments available to manage coronary artery disease if it is diagnosed early. You can stop further damage to your heart through lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
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Coronary artery disease is a long-term disease. It may take years for plaque to build up in your arteries. But as time goes on, you might start to see some mild signs. These signs suggest that your heart is working harder to pump more oxygen-rich blood into your body.
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Yes, children can have blocked arteries. Early stages of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) can be seen in children as young as 10 to 14 years. High cholesterol levels in children can cause an accumulation of plaque along the walls of arteries, which increases the likelihood of blood clots.
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Yes. However, the treatment options available to the patient, such as medical therapy, coronary artery stenting, or angioplasty, largely depend on the severity of the disease. Medications and lifestyle changes are typically recommended for patients with coronary narrowing that does not restrict blood flow to the coronary artery, to prevent further disease progression.
