What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a heart condition that occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) become narrowed or blocked due to various causes. The accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and various substances forming plaques on the inner surface of these vessels narrows the vessel diameter, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
The symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person and generally develop slowly over years. In untreated patients, the vessels may become completely blocked over time. This situation can create a life-threatening risk by leading to a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
There are two main types of coronary artery disease:
Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: This is a condition characterized by predictable chest pain that occurs especially during exertion but improves with rest, due to narrowing of the vessels that supply the heart. The severity and frequency of symptoms generally do not show significant changes within weeks or months.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: This is an emergency condition that occurs due to sudden reduction or cessation of blood flow to the heart muscle. It encompasses conditions such as unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and can be life-threatening.
What are the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
The symptoms of coronary artery disease can vary from person to person. The most characteristic symptom is chest pain or pressure in the chest. This pain typically begins in the center of the chest and can spread to different parts of the body. Some patients may not show any symptoms.
Most common symptoms:
- Chest pain/pressure sensation in the center
- Pain radiating to the left arm
- Pain radiating to the jaw
- Pain radiating to the back
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
The disease may manifest differently in female patients. Symptoms more common in women:
- Back pain
- Jaw pain
- Nausea
What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease occurs due to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries caused by plaque buildup on the inner surface of the vessels that supply the heart. This condition leads to narrowing of the vessels and reduced blood flow.
The main causes of coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Additionally, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits are factors that accelerate the development of the disease.
Besides these, genetic factors, age (over 45 in men, over 55 in women), and family history of early heart disease are also important risk factors. Furthermore, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain autoimmune diseases can also create risk for coronary artery disease.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of coronary artery disease involves patient history, physical examination, and various tests. Narrowing or blockage in heart vessels is detected through imaging methods such as ECG, stress test, echocardiography, angiography, and coronary CT angiography. Blood tests also help in evaluating risk factors.
How is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?
The treatment plan is determined according to the severity and type of the disease. Lifestyle changes are the fundamental treatment approach in coronary artery disease. Quitting smoking, regular exercise, healthy eating, and weight control should be implemented. Medication is another important component. Blood thinners like aspirin, statin group cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors are used. In advanced cases, interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement may be applied. Bypass surgery may be necessary for severe blockages. Regular check-ups and lifelong adherence to treatment are important.
What is the Course of Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease usually begins with an asymptomatic period. Then mild complaints may appear. As the disease progresses, angina (chest pain) attacks become more severe, and pain may occur even at rest. In the final stage, if vessel blockage develops completely, heart attack (myocardial infarction) may occur. The course of the disease can vary depending on lifestyle and treatment.
FAQs and Answers About Coronary Artery Disease
This section addresses frequently asked questions by patients and their relatives, alleviating common concerns about the disease and reinforcing important information.
Can people with coronary artery disease exercise?
Yes, an exercise program planned under doctor supervision is beneficial. However, the type and intensity of exercise should be determined individually.
Is coronary artery disease hereditary?
Genetic factors can create risk, but lifestyle also plays a major role. If there is a family history of heart disease, taking early precautions is important.
When is bypass surgery necessary?
Bypass surgery is generally recommended when multiple vessels are severely blocked or when angioplasty is insufficient.
How frequent should check-ups be for coronary artery disease?
Monthly check-ups are recommended for the first 6 months, then every 2-3 months for the next 6 months. Later, check-ups may be needed 2-4 times per year depending on the patient’s condition. This frequency can vary according to each individual’s health status.
Can coronary artery disease occur at a young age?
Yes, coronary artery disease can occur at a young age due to genetic predisposition, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle.
How should people with coronary artery disease eat?
Mediterranean-style diet with low fat, high fiber, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado) is recommended.
How is coronary artery disease detected?
It manifests with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, easy fatigue, and is diagnosed through tests like ECG, stress test, or angiography.
Is coronary artery disease dangerous?
Yes, if untreated, it can create life-threatening risks by leading to heart attack, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Can coronary artery disease be treated?
Yes, it is possible to control the disease with appropriate treatment methods and lifestyle changes. Coronary artery disease is treated through lifestyle changes, medication, stent applications, or bypass surgery.
Is coronary artery disease surgery risky?
Although it carries some risks like any surgery, the risks are quite low when performed by experienced teams.
How is coronary artery surgery performed?
In bypass surgery, blood flow is restored using a vessel taken from another part of the body to replace the blocked vessel.
Which doctor treats coronary artery disease?
Cardiologists handle coronary artery disease, and cardiac surgeons are involved when necessary.
How long does coronary surgery take?
Coronary bypass surgery generally takes 3-6 hours, varying according to the patient’s condition and the number of vessels requiring intervention.
Reference: Coronary artery disease