Definition:
The narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the build up of plaque and/or a blockage. Such can cause the heart to receive less blood resulting in painful symptoms (listed below). The coronary artery is a major blood vessel that supplies the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
The narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the build up of plaque and/or a blockage. Such can cause the heart to receive less blood resulting in painful symptoms (listed below). The coronary artery is a major blood vessel that supplies the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
Causes:
Some causes of coronary artery disease include, but are not limited to smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and/or radiation therapy to the chest. Basically, the inner wall of the artery becomes damaged and results in an easier build up and accumulation of plaque and other waste products, which is not very good. Too much accumulation can cause a block leading to a potential heart attack.
Some causes of coronary artery disease include, but are not limited to smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and/or radiation therapy to the chest. Basically, the inner wall of the artery becomes damaged and results in an easier build up and accumulation of plaque and other waste products, which is not very good. Too much accumulation can cause a block leading to a potential heart attack.
Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms of coronary artery disease are shortness of breath, heart attacks (both mini and regular, full on) and chest pain also known as angina.
The symptoms of coronary artery disease are shortness of breath, heart attacks (both mini and regular, full on) and chest pain also known as angina.
Diagnosis:
There are multiple tests to diagnose if you have coronary artery disease:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Test
- Cardiac Catheterization or Angiogram
- Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
There are multiple tests to diagnose if you have coronary artery disease:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Test
- Cardiac Catheterization or Angiogram
- Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)