CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Blocked arteries, clogged arteries, artery disease-no matter what you call it, coronary artery disease is a major concern for your heart’s health. But how much do you know about coronary artery disease and the available treatments?
Understanding the condition better will help you have meaningful conversations with your doctor and alleviate some of the stress that comes with a diagnosis. When you’re an informed participant of your own care team, you can develop a treatment plan together.
ABOUT CORONARY
ARTERY DISEASE
CAD is a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. It is the most common form of heart disease, and happens because of a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque in your arteries. When your arteries become blocked, it’s harder for them to carry blood to your heart. Coronary artery disease also is a cause of heart attacks, chest pain, heart failure and heart rhythm. It kills 3,70,000+ people annually.
A common misconception is that only men get coronary artery disease. It’s true that men are at greater risk. But coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death for women, too. Once a woman reaches menopause, her risk increases. Aging in general is a risk factor for both men and women.
Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
Nausea/Vomiting
Fatigue
Even Heart Attack
Chest Pain
Prevention
Don’t Smoke
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Eating Plan
Manage Stress
Exercise Regularly
Know your numbers
Get to a Healthy Body Weight
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Medications
for high cholesterol, High blood pressure
Keep your diabetes
Procedures/Surgeries
such as angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- - Chest pain (also called angina)
- - Shortness of breath
- - Heaviness in the chest
- - Pain in the jaw or down the arms
- - Heartburn
- - Nausea
- - Vomiting
- - Heavy sweating
CONTROLLING YOUR RISK FOR
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
– Did your father or brother have heart disease before age 55?
– Did your mother or sister have it before age 65?
Bring this up with your doctor. You can’t control family history. But you can use the informationto get the treatment you need.
OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY
ARTERY DISEASE INCLUDE:
– Smoking
– Being overweight
– Lack of physical activity
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes
– High cholesterol
Fortunately-unlike age and family history, you can take control of these coronary artery disease risk factors. Sometimes doing so requires planning with a care team.
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment for coronary artery disease usually starts with lifestyle changes and medications that improve blood flow to the heart. Some people may be candidates for stents. Stents open up and support the artery and allow restoration of blood flow. Angioplasty is a “minimally invasive” procedure to implant a coronary stent. Most patients go home the verynext day, allowing you to look forward to a future with renewed possibilities.
UNDERSTANDING HEART
FAILURE SYMPTOMS
Depending on the level of severity, heart failure may or may not be immediately life-threatening. However, it is typically a chronic (long-lasting) condition that worsens over time and needs treatment. There is no cure, but many people with heart failure who receive proper treatment go on to live long, full and enjoyable lives.
HEART FAILURE CAUSES
As we get older, our hearts naturally lose some ability to pump blood. This is a normal part of the aging process and not necessarily a medical problem. Heart failure, however, is a condition caused by an underlying disease that weakens or damages areas of the heart.
– Conditions that may increase the risk of developing heart failure include:
– Coronary artery disease
– High blood pressure
– Arrhythmias
– Heart valve disease
– Cardiomyopathy
– Heart defects present since birth
– Diabetes
– Heart muscle diseases
– Infection of the heart and/or heart valves
– Damage to the heart muscle from heart attack
HOW THE HEART AND BODY CHANGE
DURING HEART FAILURE
The heart may become enlarged, stretching its chambers and growing more muscle. The heart may simply beat faster. The body may compensate for the loss of pumping force by narrowing blood vessels to keep blood pressure up. The body may divert the flow of blood away from less important tissues and organs so that vital organs such as the heart and brain have an adequate supply. These adjustments may help for a while, but eventually the heart’s inability to pump worsens and you may begin to notice symptoms.
HEART FAILURE SYMPTOMS
– Fatigue
– Shortness of breath
– Muscle weakness or pain
– Problems during exercise like lightheadedness, dizziness and nausea
– Other symptoms include:
– Shortness of breath when not exercising
– Swelling, especially the legs and ankles
– Swelling or pain in the abdomen
– Difficulty sleeping
– Frequent dry, hacking cough
– Increased fatigue or dizzy spells
– Loss of appetite
– Sudden weight gain
SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL
Here are links to some tools designed to assist you, if you have NOT been diagnosed with heart disease, in understanding your risk for developing heart disease within the next 10 years. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, please talk to your doctor about your level of risk for having a coronary event or complication.
Disclaimer – “ This tool is for self-assessment only and in no way a direct indication as to a health problem. Please consult your doctor in case you are feeling any discomfort or pain”