ChamberCoronary Artery Disease (CAD) · করোনারি আর্টারি ডিজিজ (হৃদরোগ)
Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed by a build-up of fatty plaque. It can cause chest pain and, if untreated, heart attack or heart failure — but much of the risk can be lowered with lifestyle changes and treatment.
What is coronary artery disease?
The coronary arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. In CAD, a fatty material called plaque slowly builds up inside these arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing them. When the heart cannot get enough blood, it can cause chest pain (angina), and a sudden blockage can cause a heart attack.
Symptoms
Early CAD may cause no symptoms. As it progresses, warning signs can include:
- Chest pain, tightness or pressure, often on exertion (angina)
- Shortness of breath and unusual fatigue
- Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back
- Heart attack warning: severe chest pain with sweating, nausea or dizziness — call emergency help
Causes and risk factors
CAD is mainly caused by atherosclerosis. Risk goes up with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and chronic stress. Age, male sex and a family history of heart disease also raise risk and cannot be changed.
Diagnosis
A cardiologist assesses symptoms and risk factors and may use tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, exercise stress test, blood tests for cholesterol and sugar, and imaging like angiography or CT to check the arteries.
Treatment
Treatment combines lifestyle changes with medicines that control blood pressure, cholesterol and clotting, prescribed and monitored by a doctor. When narrowing is severe, procedures such as angioplasty with a stent or bypass surgery may be needed to restore blood flow.
Prevention
You can lower your risk by not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet low in salt and unhealthy fat, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.
When to see a doctor
Get emergency help immediately for severe or lasting chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, or chest pain with sweating, breathlessness or fainting. See a cardiologist if you have risk factors or chest discomfort on exertion, even if mild.
Doctors who treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
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Common medicines prescribed
Frequently asked questions
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
Plaque build-up usually cannot be fully removed, but its progression can be slowed and risk greatly reduced. A healthy lifestyle and prescribed medicines can stabilise the disease and lower the chance of a heart attack.
What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Severe chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, cold sweat, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness. This is an emergency — seek immediate medical help.
Does CAD always cause chest pain?
No. Some people, especially those with diabetes, may have little or no chest pain. Breathlessness, fatigue or jaw and arm discomfort can sometimes be the only signs.
How can I lower my heart disease risk?
Stop smoking, eat less salt and unhealthy fat, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and control blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol with your doctor's guidance.