Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease develops when the major blood vessels supplying your heart get damaged or become ill. Deposits (plaques) containing cholesterol in your coronary arteries and inflammation are usually to blame for coronary artery disease. A plaque buildup can narrow those arteries, diminishing blood flow to your heart. The reduced blood flow eventually can cause chest pain ( angina), shortness of breath, or other signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. A complete blockage may provoke a heart attack. Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, you may not notice an issue until you have a significant heart attack or blockage. But there are steps you can take to prevent and treat coronary artery disease. A healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference. Chest discomfort (angina). You may feel tightness or pressure in your chest, as if someone were standing on your chest. If your heart is unable to pump enough blood to suit the needs of your body, activity may result in shortness of breath or extreme fatigue. A fully blocked coronary artery causes a heart attack. A heart attack 's classic signs and symptoms include crushing pressure in your chest, and pain in your shoulder or arm, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating. Risk factors often coexist and one can trigger another. For example, obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and hypertension. When grouped together, you become even more likely to develop coronary artery disease by certain risk factors. A healthy diet will give your body all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Foods rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene, for example, are healthy, and help to reduce cardiovascular risk.