Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting about 20.5 million adults (CDC, 2023). It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, leading to serious complications like heart attacks.
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD develops over time due to factors such as:
- High cholesterol (LDL “bad” cholesterol buildup)
- High blood pressure (damages artery walls)
- Smoking (speeds up plaque formation)
- Diabetes (increases risk of artery damage)
- Obesity & sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
Symptoms to Watch For
Many people don’t realize they have CAD until they experience:
- Chest pain (angina) – pressure or tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath – especially during physical activity
- Fatigue – unexplained tiredness
- Heart attack signs – sudden chest pain, nausea, cold sweat
Silent CAD is dangerous: Some people have no symptoms before a heart attack, making regular check-ups essential.
How Is CAD Diagnosed?
Doctors use tests like:
- EKG/ECG (checks heart’s electrical activity)
- Stress tests (monitors heart during exercise)
- Coronary angiogram (X-ray of heart arteries)
- Cholesterol & blood pressure screenings
Treatment & Prevention
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat heart-healthy foods (Mediterranean diet, low sodium, high fiber)
- Exercise regularly (150 mins/week of moderate activity)
- Quit smoking (lowers heart disease risk by 50% within 1 year)
- Manage stress (yoga, meditation, therapy)
Medical Treatments
- Medications (statins, blood thinners, beta-blockers)
- Angioplasty & stents (opens blocked arteries)
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (for severe blockages)
Why Should Americans Take CAD Seriously?
- Leading cause of death in the U.S. (about 695,000 deaths/year)
- 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent (no obvious symptoms)
- Early prevention saves lives – up to 80% of heart disease is preventable (American Heart Association)
Take Action Today
- Get screened (cholesterol, blood pressure checks)
- Know your family history
- Adopt heart-healthy habits
If you or a loved one has risk factors, talk to a doctor about reducing your chances of developing CAD. Small changes today can lead to a healthier heart tomorrow.
Sources: CDC, American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic