Community
Coronary Artery Disease
Plaque narrows the arteries that supply the heart. Tracking your symptoms and connecting with others who understand can help you manage day to day.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, or chest pain with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the arteries that supply the heart become narrowed by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure (angina), often with exertion
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Heart attack when an artery becomes blocked
Causes
Atherosclerosis - buildup of cholesterol and other substances in artery walls over years, driven by smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history.
Types
- Stable angina
- Acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina and heart attack)
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with history, blood tests, ECG, stress testing, and imaging of the coronary arteries.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, medicines (statins, blood-pressure medicines, aspirin when indicated), and sometimes procedures to open or bypass blocked arteries.
Living with it
- Quit smoking
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and salt
- Stay physically active
- Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Take medicines as prescribed
Complications
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I reverse coronary artery disease?
Lifestyle changes and medicines can slow or partially reverse plaque buildup and greatly lower your risk, but the disease needs lifelong management.
Join the Coronary Artery Disease community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with coronary artery disease. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.