A Comprehensive Guide To Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
February 14, 2018
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease that develops over time when the arteries become damaged or diseased. As the arteries become damaged, the injured areas are filled with cholesterol-containing deposits of plaque and become inflamed. As the plaque continues to build up in the coronary arteries, the arteries begin to narrow which causes a decrease in blood flow to the heart. As the blood flow progressively decreases, it can lead to many symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and eventually a heart attack or heart failure.
It is estimated that 370,000 people die from coronary artery disease in the U.S. each year, which is why it is so important to know the signs and symptoms of the disease and how it progresses.