Be Informed
This page has been developed by Jackson Heart Clinic to help you understand Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The cardiologists and staff know that an informed patient can better participate in important healthcare decisions. Working with you as a partner, we can diagnose your problem and start treatment that will give you the best possible outcome.
The information on this page is also available for download and printing for your convenience.
Click on the thumbnail to view the brochure (PDF).
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
To understand Coronary Artery Disease or CAD, keep in mind that the cardiovascular system is essential to life. This system consists of the heart and the blood vessels.
The heart keeps blood moving throughout the body. The blood vessels carry the blood to and from the heart. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and veins carry blood back to the heart. The major work of this system is to carry fresh blood that is full of oxygen and nutrients out to every part of the body. Then, oxygen-depleted blood is routed back to the lungs and heart to start the cycle all over again.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is especially important because it affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When you have CAD, your heart does not get the blood supply it needs to work well.
CAD is the most common type of heart disease and is the number one cause of death in the United States for both men and women.
Why is it important to know if I have CAD?
When CAD is identified and treated early, the progress of the disease may be slowed down, giving you a chance to live a longer and healthier life. Even when found later, treatment can help to minimize symptoms and help you continue your everyday activities.
Not only is CAD the number one cause of death for the United States, it is also the number one killer for Mississippians. We must do everything we can to protect our loved ones from this deadly disease.
J. Clay Hays, Jr., M.D.
Is CAD dangerous?
Yes, CAD can be life-threatening - and sometimes the very first symptom of CAD is a heart attack! Early identification and treatment can reduce your risk.
What causes Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary arteries supply blood to sustain the heart. The arteries “know” when to expand and contract because they are signaled by a sensitive coating inside the blood vessels (endothelium). Arteries expand and contract to adjust to different levels of work needed by the heart. For instance, when you walk up a flight of stairs, the heart’s workload is greater than when you are sitting down watching TV; arteries constantly adjust.
Normally, we are born with healthy coronary arteries that have smooth inner linings. But, by the time we become teenagers, the inside lining of the coronary arteries may already show streaks of fat deposits. This build-up continues throughout life, with the rate of fatty build-up varying widely between people. It depends on many factors. As we grow older, fat deposits, along with other substances, continue to build up, stick together and form plaque.
The build-up of plaque in the blood vessels is called atherosclerosis – the leading cause of CAD. This causes blood vessels to become progressively narrowed until it is hard for blood to pass through. If an artery is completely blocked it causes a life-threatening loss of blood flow. This leads to chest pain (known as angina) or a heart attack. A heart attack can occur as a result of a clot that forms in the narrowed artery causing the blood supply to be cut off.
The build-up of plaque in the blood vessels is called atherosclerosis – the leading cause of CAD. This causes blood vessels to become progressively narrowed until it is hard for blood to pass through. If an artery is completely blocked it causes a life-threatening loss of blood flow. This leads to chest pain (known as angina) or a heart attack. A heart attack can occur as a result of a clot that forms in the narrowed artery causing the blood supply to be cut off.
If the coronary vessel narrows and a blood clot forms that breaks away and travels it is called a coronary thrombus. As it moves, the blood flow may be restored temporarily. But, if the clot suddenly lodges in an artery that leads to the heart, it can cause a sudden blockage of blood supply to the heart muscle called a coronary occlusion.
Blood supply to the heart involves not only the large coronary arteries but smaller arteries that are referred to collectively as collateral circulation. For those people who exercise frequently, the number and size of these arteries is greater. This can become especially important when a large artery is blocked, and smaller arteries help supply blood to the heart muscle.
Any condition that causes a sudden reduction (or complete blockage) of blood flow to the heart is called acute coronary syndrome (or ACS) and can cause damage to the heart muscle. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate emergency evaluation and treatment.
Coronary artery spasm is another type of coronary artery problem. It is a temporary, sudden narrowing of one of the coronary arteries caused by squeezing of the muscles in the artery wall. This spasm can slow or stop blood flow to the heart, often causing symptoms of angina. This can happen without having cardiac risk factors or atherosclerosis. And, it can be silent with no symptoms, or it can cause chest pain, angina or a heart attack.
Coronary microvascular disease: When CAD happens inside of very small arteries, it is known as coronary microvascular disease. Researchers believe women are more likely to have this type of CAD because of lowered estrogen levels after menopause.
Long-term CAD can also cause the heart muscle to weaken, which can contribute to heart failure.
Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome, also called stress cardiomyopathy, was first medically identified in 1990 in Japan and was named Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Since then, interest in this condition has grown and cardiologists continue to observe and document this syndrome.
Basically, the symptoms are similar to a heart attack with chest pain and shortness of breath. An EKG also may show abnormalities, and the pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) has an unusual shape during contraction. Most patients go to the emergency room because they think they are having a heart attack.
Interestingly, this can occur in patients whose arteries are not narrowed nor have severe plaque buildup present. In 85% of cases, the attack is triggered by an emotionally or physically stressful event. Emotional causes might include grief from the death of a loved one, fear (from such events as a violent attack, threats or stage fright) or life stressors such as serious arguments, divorce, job loss or financial problems. Physical stressors might include serious health problems such as stroke, chemotherapy, an asthma attack or surgery.
Usually, the stressor or stressors leading up to the attack can be identified, but not always. It is unknown whether or not chronic stressors (rather than one major event) might cause this syndrome.
With medical diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of patients survive such an attack and few (less than 5%) will have a repeat episode.
Treatment for this syndrome includes diagnostic tests and medication. Some patients may need to be in the hospital until they are stable. Typically, complications are relatively rare and recovery is quick and complete.
So, a perfectly, healthy person can truly have a “broken heart” with actual heart attack symptoms, but when promptly diagnosed and treated, symptoms can most often be reversed without complications or long term effects.
What are the symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease?
Early CAD may not cause any symptoms. The most common problem caused by CAD is ischemia (lack of oxygen and blood to the heart muscle). When ischemia occurs in the heart, the symptom or pain that is felt is known as angina pectoris, commonly called angina. The pain is usually severe and is felt under the chest bone (sternum) or left side of the chest and can spread to the neck, shoulder or arm. A person may faint/lose consciousness during an episode of chest pain.
Types of angina include:
Angina that is caused by atherosclerosis usually occurs when the heart is working harder than usual, during exertion such as exercising or walking.
People describe angina pain in different ways but usually say that it is chest discomfort, heaviness, tightness, crushing, constricting, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness or squeezing.
Only about 2% of angina is caused by coronary artery spasms. It is more common among those who smoke, have high blood pressure or have high cholesterol. It can be related to alcohol withdrawal, a high level of stress, exposure to cold, some medications (vasoconstrictors that cause contracting of blood vessels) or stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine.
If angina is caused by coronary artery spasms it may be somewhat different, usually happening at night or the same time each day, usually between midnight and 8 AM. Pain is typically temporary, lasting from 5 to 30 minutes. It may also occur at rest.
What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
The symptoms are similar and angina can be a warning that a heart attack may be near.
In addition to pain, other symptoms of CAD include:
Differences between men and women:
There is increasing evidence that men and women experience the symptoms differently. Women have heart attack symptoms that include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, get help immediately. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait.
What else can I do? Take Aspirin. “If you feel
symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, take 325 mg of
aspirin (one regular size aspirin tablet). This will help the
threat of blood clots that may be forming in your heart.”
- J. Clay Hays, Jr., M.D.
How is Coronary Artery Disease diagnosed?
The cardiologists at Jackson Heart Clinic will complete a medical history and physical exam and may order tests to diagnose CAD. Diagnostic tests can tell whether or not you have CAD, but can also indicate how advanced it is. Tests will also give your cardiologist information about how to best treat your particular case.
In summary, the information above provides a brief description of possible tests that we might order to facilitate your care. You will be given more detailed information if you are scheduled for any of these tests.
An X-ray of the chest gives a picture of your heart, lungs and other organs in the chest.
What are the treatments for Coronary Artery Disease?
If you have been diagnosed with CAD, your questions will probably include “Why me?” and “What’s next?” Remember that treating CAD can increase your quality of life and potentially reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Why me? The reality is that you have probably had CAD for some time and probably also have risk factors that have led to the development of CAD.
What are the risk factors? Risk factors for CAD include anything that increases your chance of having it. This includes risk factors that you cannot change, as well as those that you can change. Sometimes CAD develops in a person who has no known risk factors.
Risk factors that you cannot change include:
Gender: Men are at greater risk than women and tend to have heart attacks earlier in life. But, after age 70 the risk is even between men and women.
- Women tend to have Coronary Heart Disease about 10 years later than men, but it still is the #1 killer of women in the United States.
- Although death rates from CAD have dropped over the years, they have not dropped for women as much as for men.
Age: Everyone over age 65 is at greater risk of CAD.
Family history of heart disease: If your parent had heart disease, your risk is greater, especially if they were diagnosed before age 50.
Race: African Americans tend to have higher blood pressure and also a greater risk of heart disease. Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asians also have a higher risk. In general, higher risk is related to greater levels of obesity and diabetes in these populations.
Even though you can’t change your inherited risk, you can work on modifiable risk factors- things that you can change to improve your health and help minimize your overall risk for cardiovascular events in the future. For instance, don’t add to your risk by smoking, becoming overweight, or not exercising. And be sure to monitor your blood pressure and have simple blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These steps can have a positive impact on your health now and in the future!
- Philip L. Chustz, M.D.
Risk factors that can be controlled include:
Researchers continue studying other factors that are related to CAD. There is evidence that sleep apnea may be related to the development of CAD. In addition, lack of sleep or too much sleep may also be related. The roles of C-reactive protein (a body protein that may be higher with inflammation), high triglycerides (a type of fat/lipid in the blood), homosysteine (an amino acid in the body) and lipoprotein (a) are also being explored to see if they are related to having CAD.
What’s next?
Options for treating CAD are better than ever before! Your cardiologist will address your risk factors and will develop a treatment plan especially designed for you. Often, risk factors can be reduced by making lifestyle changes. However, medication may be used to reduce levels of cholesterol and help keep the blood flowing. If you need help with these changes, your cardiologist will offer more detail and support.
In addition to slowing the progress of the disease, treatment is also aimed at lowering your risk of heart attack and death from CAD.
The treatment recommended by your cardiologist depends on your age, overall health and the degree of your CAD.
Treatments of CAD may include one or more of the following:
- Lifestyle changes: Symptoms of CAD may get better when life style changes are made. Similarly, the changes can help keep it from becoming worse.
Don’t Smoke: Blood vessels constrict when any type of nicotine is used. If you need help with this, ask your cardiologist for recommendations.
Exercise: Your cardiologist will advise you about what level of exercise is recommended in your particular case. An exercise or rehabilitation plan may be ordered by your cardiologist as an important part of your CAD treatment plan.
Your diet: A heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients can help slow down the progress of CAD. If started earlier in life, it can even act to prevent CAD. Your cardiologist can provide additional information about a healthy diet.
Weight loss: If you need to lose weight, a heart healthy diet will help. If you have problems with this, ask your cardiologist for help or a consultation with a dietary expert.
- Medication: Your cardiologist may prescribe different types of medications for CAD for the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat or poor blood flow. Aspirin or other drugs may be prescribed to help prevent blood clots.
- Surgical Procedures: Generally, surgery is not needed to treat CAD, except in advanced cases when blood flow to your heart is interfering with heart function. In such cases, surgery can be life-saving. Your cardiologist may recommend a surgical procedure when one or more of your coronary arteries is blocked and if other treatments have not helped. The recommendation for surgery always comes as a result of careful evaluation of your specific situation and your preferences, in order to give you the best possible options and outcomes. If your cardiologist recommends any of these procedures, you will receive extensive information and preparation to guide your decision making.
Angioplasty or stent procedure: A balloon angioplasty procedure involves the insertion of a thin catheter with a plastic bulb into the blocked artery. Then, a tiny balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to open the artery. Sometimes a thin, mesh tube (called a stent) is left in place to keep the artery open. The stent may contain medication that helps keep the artery open over time. Not every blockage can be treated with angioplasty.
Bypass surgery (also known as coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG): A procedure to create a new passage for blood to get to the heart. This is done by removing a blood vessel from another part of your body and then reattaching it above and below a blocked artery. This re-routes the blood around the blockage and gives the heart the blood supply that it needs.
Minimally invasive bypass surgery: This procedure has the same goals as a traditional by-pass surgery but is done without stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine during the procedure. It is known as off pump coronary artery bypass, or OPCAB.
Remember these important facts:
Symptoms of CAD can be mistaken for something else, such as severe gas or indigestion.
If you have CAD, your risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure is greater than those who do not have this problem.
If you have acute symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number quickly.
• Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital!
• Do not wait! Your life may depend on it!
Treating CAD can improve a patient’s quality of life and functional status and potentially reduce his/her risk of death.
- Philip L. Chustz, M.D.
In Summary
This brochure has provided thorough information about CAD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. And, although CAD can be life-threatening, it can be treated so that your symptoms are manageable and the progress of the disease lessened. With your new knowledge of the problem, you can work with your cardiologist at Jackson Heart Clinic to develop a plan that works best for you and your unique needs. It is our goal for you to have the highest possible level of cardiovascular health and enjoy your life to the fullest degree possible!
References:
American Heart Association (2015) Coronary artery disease- coronary heart disease. Accessed 9/17/2015 from:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Coronary-Artery-Disease---The-ABCs-of-CAD_UCM_436416_Article.jsp
Casey, T (July 6, 2015) Coronary artery calcification test predicts mortality over 15-year period.
Cardiology Business. Accessed 9/18/2015.
Centers for Disease Control and prevention (2015) Coronary artery disease – CAD. Accessed 9/18/2015 from http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm
DHHS, NIH (National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (2015) What is coronary heart disease?.
Accessed 9/18/2015 from: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/
Mayo Clinic Staff (2015) Coronary Artery Disease. Accessed 9/17/2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/basics/definition/con-20032038
Sharkey, SW, Lesser, JR, & Maron, BJ (2011) Cardiology Patient Page. Takotsubo (Stress) Cardiomyopathy. American Heart Association. Accessed 10/7/2015 from: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/124/18/e460.full.
University of Chicago Medical Center (2015) Coronary artery disease and chest pain. Accessed 9/17/2015 from: http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/heart/services/coronary-artery-disease/
UpToDate Patient Information: Coronary Heart Disease. UpToDate. Accessed 9/17/2015 from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/coronary-heart-disease-the-basics
WebMD (2015) Coronary Artery Disease. Accessed 9/17/2015 from: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-coronary-artery-diseaseWebMD (2015) Coronary Artery Disease. Accessed 9/17/2015 from: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-coronary-artery-disease
Patient resources:
Explore these resources for more information about CAD.
American Heart Association (Local)
4830 McWillie Circle
Jackson, MS 39206
Phone: (601) 321-1200
Fax: (601) 321-1201
American Heart Association (National)
Customer Service
1-800-AHA-USA-1
1-800-242-8721
www.heart.org/pad
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
For Coronary Artery Disease
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm
For General information: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
CDC/NCCDPHP/DHDSP
4770 Buford Hwy, NE
Mail Stop F-72
Atlanta, GA 30341-3717
Call: 800-CDC-INFO
Fax: 770-488-8151
American College of Cardiology: Cardio smart
www.cardiosmart.org
http://assets.cardiosource.com/cardiosmart/csp/english/zx1311.pdf
CAD: Helping a Loved One
https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/caregivers
National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health – NHLBI
At this website you will find links to information about every aspect of CAD. You can also write or call for hard copy of the information. DHHS, NIH (National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (2015) What is coronary heart disease?. Accessed 9/18/2015 from:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease
and for general information about other heart topics:
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Or write to:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health - NHLBI
Building 31, Room 5A52
31 Center Drive, MSC 2486
Bethesda, MD 20892-2470
301-592-8573 (Voice, Information Center)
301-592-8563 (FAX, Information Center)
WebMD
This site offers basic information about CAD and many links to related topics
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/coronary-artery-disease