Is Your Heart at Risk without You Knowing It?

What if the biggest threat to your health is silently building up inside your body—with no obvious warning signs? Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is exactly that. It's the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death in India and worldwide. But here’s the truth: CAD is preventable, treatable, and manageable—if caught early.

If you or a loved one has ever experienced chest discomfort, breathlessness, or unexplained fatigue, you might already be facing early symptoms of CAD. Let’s break it down simply so you understand what this condition really is, and more importantly, how it can be treated before it’s too late.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary Artery Disease occurs when the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart—become narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of plaque. This plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Over time, this build-up restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of:

• Angina (chest pain)
• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Irregular heart rhythms

In most cases, CAD develops gradually over decades. Many people don’t realise they have it until they experience a heart attack or severe chest pain.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several lifestyle and genetic factors can increase your risk of developing CAD:

• High cholesterol levels: Especially LDL (bad cholesterol)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Smoking
• Obesity or being overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of heart disease
• High stress levels

Understanding your personal risk factors is the first step to preventing the disease or catching it early.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

CAD often starts with no symptoms. But as the blockage worsens, you may notice signs such as:

• Chest pain or tightness, often during activity (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
• Nausea or lightheadedness

Women may experience symptoms that are less typical—such as indigestion-like pain, sleep disturbances, or anxiety.

How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?

If CAD is suspected, your cardiologist will recommend a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects electrical activity of the heart
• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to check heart function
• Treadmill Test (TMT): Monitors the heart during exercise
• Cardiac CT or MRI: Offers detailed images of the heart vessels
• Coronary Angiography: The gold standard for viewing blockages in arteries

Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications and allow timely intervention.

Treatment Options for Coronary Artery Disease

Treatment for CAD depends on the severity of the blockage, your symptoms, and your overall health. It typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures.

1. Lifestyle Changes

These are the foundations of treatment and can slow down or even reverse CAD progression:

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, high in fibre)
• Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day)
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
• Managing stress effectively
• Maintaining a healthy weight

2. Medications

To control risk factors and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:

• Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
• Blood pressure medicines
• Aspirin or other blood thinners
• Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers (to reduce heart workload)
• Medications for diabetes management

These help reduce the chances of a heart attack and improve blood flow.

3. Interventional Procedures and Surgery

When lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough, procedures may be necessary:

• Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a small balloon is inflated to open the narrowed artery, and a stent (metal mesh) is placed to keep it open.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In more severe cases, open-heart surgery is done to bypass the blocked arteries using blood vessels from other parts of the body.

Advanced surgical options are available for complex cases, and with newer techniques, recovery is faster and more effective than ever before.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat It?

Untreated CAD can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Heart attack
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Heart failure
• Reduced quality of life
• Shortened lifespan

The condition may progress silently, so early evaluation is critical even if symptoms seem mild or occasional.

Prevention Is the Best Strategy

While treatment options are effective, prevention is far more powerful. Get regular health check-ups, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of heart disease.

Don’t wait for a heart attack to take your health seriously.

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you have any of the risk factors or are experiencing symptoms—even mild ones—consult a cardiothoracic specialist immediately. Timely diagnosis and expert care can help you lead a long, healthy life.

FAQs about Coronary Artery Disease

Q1. Can I reverse coronary artery disease?

While you cannot completely reverse it, lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases surgery can significantly reduce progression and symptoms.

Q2. Is angioplasty a permanent solution?

Angioplasty can restore blood flow, but lifestyle changes and medication are necessary to prevent future blockages.

Q3. How long can someone live with coronary artery disease?

With proper management, many people live long, healthy lives. Early detection and compliance with treatment are key.

Q4. Can CAD affect young people?

Yes, especially those with genetic risk factors, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, or high stress. Cases in individuals under 40 are rising in India.

Q5. Are there any warning signs before a heart attack caused by CAD?

Yes—chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, or jaw/arm pain are common signs that should not be ignored.

Take Action before It’s Too Late

If you're facing symptoms or have been ignoring your heart health, now is the time to act. Every second matters when it comes to coronary artery disease.

Consult Dr. Palkesh Agrawal, a leading Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon in Kota, Rajasthan, for expert diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate care.