Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup on the artery walls. It is also called Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thin layer of cells forms a lining that keeps them smooth and allows blood to flow easily. This is called the endothelium.

Atherosclerosis happens when the endothelium becomes damaged, due to factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or high levels of glucose, fat, and cholesterol in the blood. This damage allows a collection of substances, known as plaque, to build up in the artery wall. These substances include fat and cholesterol. Over time, plaque can build up and become hard. If plaque continues to collect, it can block the artery and disrupt the flow of blood around the body.

Sometimes, pieces of plaque break open. If this happens, particles from blood cells, known as platelets, gather in the affected area. These can stick together, forming blood clots. A clot can block the artery, leading to life threatening complications, such as stroke and heart attack.

 

Atherosclerosis can affect any artery, but it mainly occurs in the larger, high pressure arteries. Carotid arteries provide blood to the brain. Restricted blood supply can lead to a stroke. Coronary arteries provide blood to the heart. When the blood supply to the heart falls, it can cause angina and heart attack. Renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. If the blood supply becomes limited, chronic kidney disease may develop.

 

Symptoms

Atherosclerosis usually affects older people, but it can start to develop during adolescence. Inside the artery, streaks of white blood cells will appear on the artery wall. Often, there are no symptoms until a bit of plaque ruptures, or the blood flow becomes restricted. This may take many years to occur. The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected.

A build-up of fatty plaques in your arteries, or atherosclerosis can damage your blood vessels and heart. Plaque build-up causes narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. 

Coronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. Women are more likely to have other signs and symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue.

Signs and symptoms can include:

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those  parts of your body are narrowed
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back 

You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. It's important to watch for cardiovascular symptoms and discuss concerns with your doctor. Cardiovascular disease can sometimes be found early with regular evaluations.