Conditions
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States in men and women. CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart harden and become narrow.
Risk Factors
General risk factors for CAD include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Family history
- Age (older than 65)
- Diabetes
Symptoms
Common symptoms of CAD are angina, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue. Other symptoms include:
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Neck pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Weakness
Detection and Diagnosis
Several tests are available to diagnose CAD. Your doctor may use cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA), CT heart score, HeartFlow® FFRCT Analysis, or other tests.
Treatment
CAD can often be improved through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and increasing physical activity. Medication and a variety of procedure can also be used if needed. Treatments for more severe cases can include procedures and surgeries such as angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention.