Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery Disease Causes
Coronary artery disease is caused by various factors which cause the inner layer of a coronary artery to be damaged or injured. Such factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain diseases, such as diabetes, or radiation therapy to the chest, as used for certain types of cancer.
Coronary Artery Disease Definition
Coronary artery disease is the obstruction of blood flow through the coronary arteries.
Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis
The doctor reviews the patient's medical history and conducts a physical examination. The patient may also undergo routine blood tests as well as a diagnostic test such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress test, angiogram, electron beam computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance angiography.
Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms may not show when blood flow is restricted. However, as fatty deposits continue to accumulate in the coronary arteries, a person may experience chest pain, which may be triggered by physical and emotional stress; shortness of breath caused by the heart's inability to pump enough blood; or heart attack, which results from a complete blockage. A heart attack sometimes occurs with no apparent signs or symptoms.
Coronary Artery Disease Treatment
The doctor recommends lifestyle changes for healthier arteries such as eating healthy food and regular exercise. Medications or surgical procedures may also be recommended to blood flow.
Drugs used for treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Norvasc