Coronary Artery Disease: Are You at Risk Without Knowing It?

The arteries that bring blood to your heart are called the coronary arteries. When they function properly, they’re flexible, expanding and contracting as needed. However, when blood can’t flow unimpeded through these arteries, you face a life-threatening situation. 

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease — more specifically, coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, the experts at Heart & Vascular Institute, with six Michigan locations, discuss who’s at risk of CAD and steps to take now to lower the risk. 

Coronary artery disease basics

Healthy arteries are flexible and smooth. When you have CAD, a sticky substance called plaque builds up inside your arteries. Over time, the vessels become stiffer and narrower, meaning less blood can pass through. 

Typically, when you do something that increases your heart rate, such as jogging, the arteries that bring the blood to your heart expand so that more blood can get through. Your heart beats faster, pumping blood to your lungs and muscles. 

When your arteries can’t expand and are impeded by plaque, you may feel pain in your chest (angina) or experience shortness of breath. If the blockage prevents blood from getting to your heart, you may even have a heart attack. 

Plaque is composed of fats and cholesterol, among other substances. Plaque buildup in any blood vessel is called atherosclerosis. In the arteries in your legs, it’s called peripheral artery disease (PAD). CAD is the same disease, but in the arteries of your heart. 

Understanding your risk factors

It’s possible to have advanced CAD without knowing it. Although some people experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, not everyone does. And sometimes, those symptoms develop so slowly, you don’t realize you’re more breathless than before.

Risk factors for CAD include: 

• Genetics
• An unhealthy diet
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity

Having another chronic condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, puts you at greater risk of CAD than people who don’t have that chronic condition. 

Treating CAD

One of the best ways to treat CAD or reduce your risk is to change habits that can contribute to it. Depending on the extent of the blockage, you may need medication or surgery. 

Lifestyle changes

Your lifestyle can significantly affect whether your CAD progresses. For example, smoking dramatically increases the likelihood of a heart attack. 

Consuming a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol are other controllable factors that can help limit the progression of CAD. 

Get a personal assessment

If you have a family history of heart disease, heart attack, or chest pain, or you have other reasons to be concerned about CAD, schedule an appointment today at the most convenient location of Heart & Vascular Institute. 

We can help you understand your risk profile to keep your heart as healthy as possible.