Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease that occurs when the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to our heart (coronary arteries) become clogged with fatty deposits called plaque. CAD is sometimes called coronary heart disease (CHD). Clogged arteries can reduce or even cut off the blood flow and oxygen supply to your heart and the fatty deposits can sometimes dislodge and cause a sudden blockage (clot).

What are signs and symptoms of CAD?
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

What causes CAD?
CAD is caused by a process called atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances from the blood. Over time, plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can cause:

• Your arteries to harden, become narrower, and are less flexible.
• Your blood has a harder time flowing through your arteries to your heart muscle.
• Blood clots form, blocking the blood flow in your arteries.