What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease develops when the major blood vessels, the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart are not able to provide enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the muscle. Cholesterol buildup in these arteries most often leads to coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to a lack of blood flow and, eventually, a heart attack.

Coronary artery disease develops slowly as cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries. Signs may only present themselves once the heart is beating rapidly, like during exercise. Pay attention to symptoms like:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea 
• Fatigue
• Heart attack

• Diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• Smoking or tobacco use
• A sedentary lifestyle 

• Age
• Sex
• Family history

• Quit smoking
• Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Manage stress

Coronary artery disease is often diagnosed using some type of test, like an echocardiogram or stress test. Treatment includes medicinal or surgical options, like angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, when an artery needs to be unblocked.