The coronary arteries, which are directly above the heart muscle, provide the oxygen necessary for the continuation of the contractile function of the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart are damaged. If the coronary arteries are narrowed, not enough oxygen-rich blood can be supplied to the heart, especially during exercise. In the early stages of the disease, the reduced blood flow does not cause any symptoms, but as plaque continues to build up in the coronary arteries, various signs and risks arise. Memorial Health Group Medstar Topcular Hospital Cardiology Department Uz. Dr. Ayşegül Ülgen Kunak told what should be known about coronary artery disease.
May not cause any symptoms
Coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Plaque buildup can narrow these arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow as a result; can cause chest pain (angina), abnormal heart rhythm, shortness of breath, heart failure or other signs of coronary artery disease. If this is a complete blockage, it can cause a heart attack. Because coronary artery disease usually develops over years, it may not show any symptoms until a significant blockage or heart attack occurs. However, steps to prevent and treat coronary artery disease provide significant benefits.
Pay attention to these symptoms
Chest pain (Angina): Angina, defined as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, usually occurs in the middle or left side of the chest. Angina is particularly triggered by physical or emotional stress. The pain often goes away within minutes after stopping the stressful activity. In some people, especially women, the pain may be short or sharp and felt in the neck, arm, or back.
Shortness of breath: If the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, shortness of breath with activity or extreme fatigue may develop.
Heart attack: A completely blocked coronary artery causes a heart attack. The classic symptoms of a heart attack are overwhelming pressure in the chest and radiating pain to the shoulder or arm, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating. Women are slightly more likely than men to have less typical symptoms of a heart attack, such as neck or jaw pain. Other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea may also be encountered. Sometimes a heart attack can occur without any symptoms.
Development of atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack
Coronary artery disease is thought to begin with damage or injury to the inner layer of the coronary artery. The damage may develop due to various factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or insulin resistance, sedentary lifestyle. When the inner wall of an artery is damaged, fatty deposits (plaque) made up of cholesterol and other cellular waste products tend to collect at the injury site. This process is called atherosclerosis. If the surface of the plaque is damaged or torn, blood cells called platelets clump together in the area to try to repair the artery. This clump can block the artery, leading to a heart attack.
Risk factors for coronary artery disease
Risk factors often occur together and one can trigger the other. For example, it can lead to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. When grouped together, certain risk factors further increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
- To smoke
- high blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Physical inactivity
- Stress
- Unhealthy eating
Lifestyle changes are essential
Lifestyle changes can be effective to help prevent and treat coronary artery disease. A healthy lifestyle helps keep arteries strong and free of plaque. To improve heart health, quit smoking, control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, be physically active, eat a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, maintain ideal weight, reduce stress, and management can have positive effects.
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