However, there are some less obvious early indicators of coronary artery disease (CAD), so you should be aware of them and know when to seek help. The American Heart Association states that “coronary heart disease” (CHD) and CAD are synonymous terms.
CAD, on the other hand, causes CHD, according to Edward A. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., an American Heart Association volunteer who is also director of the Marc and Ruti Bell Program in Vascular Biology and Disease at the NYU School of Medicine and Leon H. Charney professor of cardiovascular medicine. The alarming thing is that you may not have any symptoms at all, regardless of how the disease is classified. This is where routine blood tests and examinations are important. I understand that coronary artery disease seems complicated and you may be wondering about its exact nature. According to the US National Library of Medicine, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). As a result, it is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Basically, it occurs when the arteries become narrowed or hardened (atherosclerosis) due to plaque and other materials such as cholesterol that affect the blood supply to the heart. A heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen or blood. What is the scariest aspect?
The best defense against coronary artery disease (CAD) is to lead a healthy lifestyle and see your doctor often, not just when you experience symptoms. CAD can strike suddenly and acutely, but it can also develop over decades. Dr. Michael Krychman, MD, OB/GYN, a sexual medicine gynecologist and executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survival, tells Bustle that women have the potential to influence their cardiovascular disease risks. “The Good Life is a fantastic place to start! Address your high blood pressure and get screened for diabetes. Reduce your stress and make time for exercise every day. Plus, a cardioprotective diet is similar to a Mediterranean diet! Finally, enjoying a full sex life of life can have a significant impact on your overall health.” Still, you may be surprised to learn that there are clear warning signs of coronary artery disease.
1. Chest pain
Angina, or chest discomfort, is a sure sign that something is wrong, especially if it’s on the left or middle side of the chest, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to women’s health specialist and onology author Dr. Sherry A. Ross “Early symptoms of coronary artery disease in women include chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, but they may not be severe or significant.” Bustle is informed by The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health.
It may not last long and may be felt on the back, arm, or neck, especially in women. One might assume that chest pain is always related to heart problems; nevertheless, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, because chest pain can also have other causes, such as strained muscles.
2. Breathing too short
According to Dr. Ross, shortness of breath could be a less specific symptom. It’s likely that you get short of breath from time to time, especially after exercising or climbing stairs. Still, it could indicate a more serious problem if you’re short of breath even when you’re at rest. When it comes to the heart, shortness of breath occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood.
3. Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
Your heart may show signs of CAD if it seems to be beating too fast or irregularly. Because your heart beats at a fairly regular rate, you may notice it. It is important to tell your doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat.
4. Increased blood pressure
High blood pressure does not always lead to heart problems in people. Plaque, or the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other materials, causes the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to high blood pressure. A blood clot is more likely to form when the arteries stiffen, increasing the risk of a heart attack and serving as an indicator of underlying heart disease such as coronary artery disease (CAD).
5. Hyper- and hypocholesterolemia
According to the American Heart Association, high LDL and low HDL cholesterol are another risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Definitions of both forms of cholesterol provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are easy to remember. Most of the cholesterol in your body is LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or “bad” cholesterol. The “good” variety, known as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, absorbs cholesterol and returns it to the liver for elimination. Is it just me or is anyone else experiencing flashbacks to their high school health class?
6. Cigarette
“Probably the single most important step you can take to reduce your chances of CAD and heart attack,” according to WebMD, is to quit smoking. This is caused by a number of smoking-related variables, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals in tobacco smoke. They can result in an irregular pulse and reduced blood flow to the heart, among other signs of CHD.
7. Heart attack
A heart attack can be the result of a blocked coronary artery.
Some of the above symptoms, such as pain in the arm, shoulder, or chest, as well as sweating and/or shortness of breath, may indicate one. Women may experience unusual symptoms including jaw or neck pain, and some heart attacks show no signs or symptoms at all. The Mayo Clinic recommends having someone else drive you to the hospital if you think you’re having a heart attack.
Overall, leading a healthy lifestyle is essential for heart health, in addition to seeing the doctor for check-ups and blood tests to ensure everything is in order, including cholesterol levels. According to the advice of Dr. Kirchman, you can make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions to avoid CHD and other heart problems by maintaining an active lifestyle, following a cardioprotective diet, and quitting smoking.
In conclusion, recognizing the early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) is essential for effective heart health prevention and management. While CAD can develop slowly over time, being aware of the less obvious symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat, can help you seek medical attention before the condition worsens. Elevated blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, and smoking are significant risk factors that can aggravate CHD, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and lifestyle modification.
Council of Dr. Michael Krychman to maintain a healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of heart disease prevention. By managing your hypertension, managing your diabetes, reducing stress, and eating a heart-healthy diet, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing CHD. In addition, avoiding smoking and staying active are essential steps to protect your cardiovascular health.
Ultimately, being alert to these symptoms and maintaining a proactive approach to your health can help you prevent coronary artery disease and ensure that any potential problems are addressed promptly. Following these guidelines and consulting with healthcare professionals are effective strategies for protecting your heart and overall well-being.