What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that feed your heart. This buildup limits blood flow and can lead to a heart attack or other problems. It’s one of the most common causes of heart disease in both men and women.
What Causes CAD?
CAD is caused by plaque buildup, a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, this leads to artery narrowing and reduced oxygen to your heart.
Main causes of coronary artery disease include:
This process is part of the coronary artery disease pathophysiology. It usually starts early and gets worse if not treated.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
CAD can develop quietly. But over time, it may cause:
These are key symptoms of coronary artery disease, especially during stress or physical activity.
Stages of Coronary Artery Disease
CAD moves through stages:
1. Early damage to artery walls
2. Plaque begins to form
3. Arteries narrow
4. Blood flow drops
5. Risk of heart attack rises
You may hear terms like 90% blockage in LAD, blocked LAD, or widowmaker artery. These refer to the left anterior descending artery (LAD), one of the most critical heart vessels. Blockage here can be deadly.
Also Learn about: Heart Failure!
Testing and Diagnosis
CAD may be found through:
Doctors may use codes like Coronary artery disease ICD-10 when entering it into medical records.
How Is CAD Treated?
Treatment depends on your stage and symptoms. Options include:
People often ask, how much blockage before stent is needed? It depends, but 70–90% is common. If multiple arteries are blocked, triple bypass may be considered.
This is where BaleDoneen can assist with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). We use advanced tests to detect risk early, then build a plan to stop progression and avoid surgery when possible.
Prevention Starts Early
Coronary artery disease prevention means:
Prevention also includes natural remedies for heart health and a heart-healthy diet.