By: Dr. Avi Verma

Introduction

In the first article of this series, we explored how the heart functions as the body’s life-sustaining pump. This week, we turn our attention to one of the most common and dangerous diseases affecting this vital organ—coronary artery disease (CAD). Also known as Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease (IHD), CAD is the leading cause of heart attacks and remains the number one cause of death worldwide. The good news is that, in most cases, it is preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, early diagnosis, and timely medical care.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

The heart is a muscle that requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood to function effectively. This blood is delivered through the coronary arteries. Over time, these arteries can become narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and inflammatory substances, forming plaques in the artery walls—a process known as atherosclerosis.

As the arteries narrow, less blood reaches the heart muscle. Initially, this may cause no symptoms, but as the blockage worsens, the heart struggles to receive enough oxygen, especially during physical activity or emotional stress. If a plaque ruptures and a blood clot completely blocks the artery, a heart attack occurs. CAD can also lead to heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and sudden cardiac arrest.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

One of the greatest dangers of coronary artery disease is that it often develops silently over many years. When symptoms appear, the most common is angina, a feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or burning in the chest. The discomfort may spread to the left or right arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or upper back and is sometimes mistaken for indigestion.

Other symptoms include shortness of breath while walking or climbing stairs, unusual fatigue, cold sweating, nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Some individuals, however, experience no warning signs until they suffer a heart attack.

Women may experience different symptoms than men. Instead of severe chest pain, they often report extreme fatigue, indigestion, nausea, anxiety, disturbed sleep, jaw pain, upper abdominal discomfort, or pain between the shoulder blades. Because these symptoms are often overlooked, women may delay seeking medical attention.

Who Is at Risk?

Several factors significantly increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease. High blood pressure damages artery walls, while high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup. Diabetes accelerate damage to blood vessels, and smoking injures artery walls while increasing the likelihood of blood clots. Obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress also contribute to the disease.

Family history is another important risk factor. Individuals whose father developed heart disease before age 55 or whose mother developed it before age 65 should be especially vigilant.

South Asians, including people of Indian origin, have a higher tendency to develop coronary artery disease at a younger age than many other ethnic groups. Increasing rates of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and processed-food consumption have made heart disease a growing concern even among people in their thirties and forties.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Modern medical technology allows coronary artery disease to be detected before it causes irreversible damage. Depending on a patient’s symptoms and risk factors, physicians may recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, echocardiogram, CT coronary angiography, coronary angiogram, and blood tests to assess cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. For many patients, lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and managing stress can significantly slow disease progression.

Doctors may also prescribe medications such as cholesterol-lowering statins, blood pressure medications, aspirin (when appropriate), beta blockers, or nitroglycerin. In more advanced cases, procedures such as angioplasty with stent placement (PCI) or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Most cases of coronary artery disease can be prevented. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day, eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, limiting saturated fats, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing stress are among the most effective ways to protect the heart.

Regular health check-ups are equally important. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can help detect problems early, when treatment is most effective. For individuals of Indian and South Asian origin, early screening is particularly important because of their higher risk of developing heart disease at a younger age.

When to Seek Emergency Care

A heart attack is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back, severe shortness of breath, cold sweating, sudden dizziness, fainting, or persistent nausea accompanied by chest discomfort. Acting quickly can save both heart muscle and life.

Healthy Heart Message

Coronary artery disease may develop silently, but it does not have to become a life-threatening condition. By recognizing its warning signs, controlling risk factors, adopting healthy habits, and seeking timely medical care, we can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attacks and enjoy longer, healthier lives. Remember, every healthy choice you make today is an investment in your heart and your future.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this Healthy Heart, Healthy Life series is intended solely for educational and public awareness purposes. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor should it be considered a medical consultation. Readers should consult their physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about their heart health or before making decisions related to their medical care.