Overview of Coronary Heart Disease (CAD)

Coronary Heart Disease, also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), occurs when the blood vessels supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart become blocked or damaged due to the buildup of cholesterol, fats, and plaque on their inner walls. It is one of the most prevalent forms of heart disease affecting both men and women.

Causes of Coronary Heart Disease

CAD typically begins with an injury to the inner layer of a coronary artery, leading to the accumulation of plaque. Over time, this plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Common risk factors contributing to CAD include:

• High levels of stress
• Unhealthy diet
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity

The risk of CAD increases with age, starting around 45 years for men and 55 years for women.

Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

CAD often remains asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. However, individuals may present with symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or angina
• Discomfort in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Weakness
• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Swelling in legs
• Loss of appetite
• Heart palpitations

Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease

Diagnosis requires medical evaluation as symptoms can be mistaken for heartburn or indigestion. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Stress Test: Monitors heart activity during physical exertion.
• Blood Test: Measures cholesterol, fats, and lipid levels.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records heart rate and rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to assess heart structure and function.
• CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the heart and chest.
• Cardiac MRI: Offers 3D images to detect heart abnormalities.
• Holter Monitoring: Records continuous ECG over a period.
• Cardiac Catheterization: Measures blood flow and pressure in heart arteries.

Treatment Options for Coronary Heart Disease

Treatment aims to manage symptoms & prevent complications:

• Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, adopting a low-fat diet, regular exercise, stress reduction.
• Medications: Prescribed to manage symptoms and lower cholesterol.
• Stent Placement: Opens narrowed arteries to improve blood flow.
• Pacemaker Implant: Regulates heart rhythms with electrical signals.
• Heart Bypass Surgery: Creates new routes for blood flow using healthy vessels from elsewhere in the body.

Metro Institute of Heart and Vascular Sciences

Metro Institute of Heart and Vascular Sciences is renowned for its excellence in treating coronary heart disease in Delhi NCR. The facility offers comprehensive care for conditions like angina, heart attack, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Advanced procedures include pacemaker implants, congenital heart defect surgeries, angioplasty, and more. Equipped with state-of-the-art Cath Labs, operation theaters, and cutting-edge cardiac care technologies, each hospital ensures round-the-clock emergency services, blood banks, pharmacies, and essential patient amenities. Remember, as advised by Metro Hospitals’ doctors, “Keep enthusiastic pets away until you have healed completely.”