Coronary Artery Disease – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Coronary artery disease signifies the contraction of arteries as a result of atherosclerosis. Due to the contraction of arteries, enough oxygen does not reach up to the heart muscles. When sufficient amount of oxygen is not received by the heart then it leads to pain in chest. This condition is named as Angina. The occurrence of heart attack is usual in case an artery is blocked completely. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common diseases found in the people all around the world. Every year a large number of people die due to heart attacks. Coronary artery disease may be prevented for reducing the number of deaths caused by heart problems.

If we wish to know about the cause of coronary artery disease then we need to know that the arteries are hardened due to atherosclerosis. As a result of this, heart receives very less oxygen than required by it. Plaques are formed inside blood vessels. Such plaques are formed by fatty acids. Such blockage makes the passage of arteries narrow and heart muscles do not get enough oxygen. Deposition of bad cholesterol in the arteries is the main cause of such blockage which occurs in arteries.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease do not show up until the problem gets very serious. People get to know about such problem when they suffer from pain in their chest or angina pectoris. Angina is the first symptoms which may be experienced by people who have coronary artery disease. People who have this problem may also experience discomfort or pain in chest when they exert themselves. The pain may disappear when proper rest is taken by the people.

The treatment of this disease include intake of drugs which reduce the level of bad cholesterol in body. Antiplatelet medication is used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Drugs to control high blood pressure help in preventing heart attack. In case, someone experiences any of the symptoms of coronary artery disease, he/she should immediately consult a doctor. A heart attack may be prevented if doctors know about it in advance.