“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
CAD stands for Coronary Artery Disease, which is a condition where there is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. This plaque buildup can narrow or block the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of heart attack or other heart problems.
CAD is caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. These factors can cause damage to the inner lining of the arteries, which can lead to the formation of plaque.
Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. However, some people with CAD may have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of CAD typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, or cardiac catheterization. Treatment for CAD may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, as well as medications such as statins to lower cholesterol or blood pressure medications to reduce high blood pressure. In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.
Prevention of CAD involves making lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can also help to monitor and manage risk factors for CAD.