Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading deadliest heart disease in the world.

CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the build-up of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.

Over time, CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart can't pump blood well to the rest of the body. Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

Here are some causes of CAD

• High blood pressure 
• Smoking 
• Diabetes 
• A family history of CAD
• Being overweight 
• High cholesterol 

Some Risk Factors of CAD
Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
 1. Age: Simply getting older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries.
 2. Sex: Men are generally at greater risk of coronary artery disease. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.
 3. Family history: A family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a close relative developed heart disease at an early age. Your risk is highest if your father or a brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 or if your mother or a sister developed it before age 65.
 4. Smoking: People who smoke have a significantly increased risk of heart disease. Exposing others to your secondhand smoke also increases their risk of coronary.
 5. Blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of your arteries, narrowing the channel through which blood can flow.
 6. High blood cholesterol level: High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of formation of plaque and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol can be caused by a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol. A low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the "good" cholesterol, can also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
 7.Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
 8. Overweight: Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors.

Prevention
The same lifestyle habits that can help treat coronary artery disease can also help prevent it from developing in the first place. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help keep your arteries strong and clear of plaque. In order to improve your heart health, try to keep a regular check of the following:

Quit smoking.
Control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Stay physically active.
Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Reduce and manage stress.


When to see a doctor 

If you suspect you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort. If you have risk factors for coronary artery disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, a strong family history of heart disease or obesity talk to your doctor. He or she may want to test you for the condition, especially if you have signs or symptoms of narrowed arteries.