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:

  • High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history

This process is part of the coronary artery disease pathophysiology. It usually starts early and gets worse if not treated.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

CAD can develop quietly. But over time, it may cause:

  • Chest pain or tightness

  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or arms
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

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:

  • Cholesterol blood work
  • EKG
  • Stress tests
  • CT scans of the heart
  • Imaging to detect LAD artery occlusion or triple heart bypass needs

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:

  • Diet and exercise
  • Medication
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Stent to LAD or other blocked arteries
  • PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention)

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:

  • Eating fewer processed foods
  • Lowering LDL cholesterol
  • Quitting smoking
  • Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
  • Moving 30 minutes a day
  • Sleeping 7–8 hours a night

Prevention also includes natural remedies for heart health and a heart-healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 5 symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Is CAD a serious disease?

How do you prevent coronary artery disease?

Who does CAD affect?

Act Early. Protect Your Heart.

Plaque grows quietly. CAD often gives no warning. BaleDoneen Method helps you find the risk early and act before it’s too late.