THE CAUSES OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits and other substances that form in the coronary arteries.

The built-up plaque on the coronary artery walls block the flow of blood to the heart. This can result in chest pain, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack in cases of complete blockage.

In severe cases of coronary artery disease, you will likely require treatment from a specialist interventional cardiologist.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) often develop over years, even decades. Therefore, you may not notice symptoms until there is a significant amount of blockage. When CAD has become severe, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Angina
• Dizziness
• Heart Attack

Angina refers to chest discomfort that includes chest pain, burning, tightness, or squeezing feeling in the heart.

Excessive blockage of the coronary arteries may cause a heart attack. This includes symptoms such as extreme pain or tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness.

Heart attacks can be extremely fatal. If you feel the onset of a heart attack, then seek emergency medical help immediately.

Moreover, if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms such as angina and shortness of breath for a prolonged period, then visit a specialist cardiologist without delay. They may diagnose you with CAD and refer you to an interventional cardiology if there is need for surgery.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

The major cause of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the build-up of cholesterol containing deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. These cholesterol deposits are known as plaque, and it can cut off the blood flow to the heart.

There are a number of causes of plaque build-up that may result in CAD. These include:

• High cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and/or insulin resistance
• Sedentary lifestyle

Furthermore, these causes are more common in people who possess the following risk factors:

• Obesity or overweight individuals
• Old age
• Family history of heart disease
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• High stress
• Lack of exercise

Any of these factors can increase the chance of CAD in individuals. In particular, individuals who experience high blood pressure and cholesterol levels as a result of an unhealthy diet and no exercise are at high-risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Lifestyle changes that includes quitting smoking, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, can greatly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. A specialist interventional cardiologist can help you make the right lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as CAD.

Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease

As mentioned above, healthy lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. However, in severe cases of blockage, you may require further treatment. This may include sugery by an interventional cardiologist such as:

• Coronary angiography
• Cardiac catheterisation 
• Balloon angioplasty

For the best specialist cardiologist in Dubai, visit the German Heart Centre. Here you will find the best interventional cardiologist in Dubai, for treatment of all cardiovascular diseases.