Disease
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Overview of (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is also known as coronary heart disease, which is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This results in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and leads to various cardiovascular complications. Coronary artery disease is a significant cause of cardiac disease globally and can be life threatening if not managed effectively.
Types of (CAD)
There are two main types of coronary artery disease:
- Stable CAD: A condition where the coronary arteries narrow gradually over time and cause predictable symptoms like chest pain.
- Unstable CAD: A more serious form of the disease, often caused by a sudden rupture of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of (CAD)
The symptoms of coronary artery disease can vary, but some common signs include:
- Chest pain (angina) or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms may be triggered by physical activity or stress
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Pain in the neck, jaw or back
Causes of (CAD)
Common causes include:
- A buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking or poor diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Diabetes
Complications in (CAD)
If coronary artery disease is not managed, it can lead to serious complications such as:
- Heart attacks due to sudden blockage of the coronary arteries
- Heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively
- Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
- Stroke, caused by reduced blood supply to the brain
It is vital to catch CAD early to prevent these dangerous complications.
Risk Factors of (CAD)
Certain factors increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease:
- Age: Risk increases with age (45+ for men, 55+ for women).
- Family History: Genetics can raise your chances of developing CAD.
- High Blood Pressure: Puts extra strain on your heart and arteries.
- High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.
- Smoking: Damages the arteries and promotes plaque buildup.
- Diabetes: Increases the risk by damaging coronary arteries.
- Poor Diet: High in unhealthy fats and salt, it raises cholesterol.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Obesity: Increases risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and lead to unhealthy habits.
Preventions of (CAD)
You can take steps to prevent coronary artery disease or slow its progression:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise regularly (aim for at least 30–40 minutes a day)
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Manage stress and maintain a healthy weight
- Keep track of your cholesterol and blood pressure levels
Diagnosis of (CAD)
Doctors use several methods to diagnose coronary artery disease, such as:
- Blood tests to check for high cholesterol
- ECG to monitor heart rhythm
- Angiogram to look inside your coronary arteries for blockages
- Stress tests to see how your heart performs under physical exertion
Treatments of (CAD)
- There are different treatment options for coronary artery disease:
- Medications: Statins to lower cholesterol and beta blockers to control blood pressure.
- Angioplasty: A procedure to open blocked arteries using a balloon or stent.
- Bypass surgery: A surgery to create new pathways for blood flow around blocked arteries.
- Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and quitting smoking are also essential for managing CAD.
Prognosis of (CAD)
- Early Detection improves the chances of effective treatment and better outcomes.
- Many people with CAD live long, healthy lives with treatment.
- The severity of CAD affects the prognosis with mild cases being easier to manage.
- Lifestyle Changes like diet, exercise and quitting smoking significantly improve outcomes.
- Managing Risk Factors like cholesterol and blood pressure boosts the prognosis.
- Regular Monitoring helps track progress and adjust treatments.
- Heart Procedures such as angioplasty and bypass surgery can save lives in advanced cases.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised Care: We create customised treatment plans for your specific heart health needs.
- Expert Cardiologists: Our experienced team ensures top-quality care for coronary artery disease.
- Comprehensive Heart Services: From diagnosis to treatment, we offer complete heart care.
- Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge tools and treatments like angioplasty and bypass surgery.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous care and regular check-ups to ensure long-term heart health.
- Holistic Approach: We promote heart health through lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise.
At MyhealthMydoctor, your heart health is in expert hands.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor:
- What exactly is my diagnosis?
- What are the treatment options available?
- What lifestyle changes should I make?
- What medications do I need, and what are their side effects?
- How often should I schedule follow-up appointments?
- What are the risks if I don’t follow the treatment plan?
- How can I manage stress and improve my overall well-being?
- What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear and Simple Explanations: Patients want their doctor to explain their condition in a way that is easy to understand.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: They expect a treatment plan tailored to their specific health needs and concerns.
- Listening and Understanding: Patients appreciate when doctors take the time to listen carefully and address all their concerns.
- Honest and Open Communication: Transparency about the diagnosis, treatment options and potential risks is key for patients.
- Compassionate Care: Patients expect their doctor to show empathy and care making them feel comfortable and valued.
- Practical Advice: Clear guidance on how to manage their condition with lifestyle changes, medications and follow up care.
- Timely and Efficient Consultation: Patients prefer a consultation that is focused, yet thorough respecting their time while addressing all concerns.
- Support for Emotional Well-being: They seek reassurance and emotional support particularly when facing a serious health condition.