It usually starts with something small.
You are climbing stairs and suddenly feel out of breath. Or you are taking a quick walk and notice a strange pressure in your chest. You stop, think “maybe it is just fatigue” and avoid it.
But what if it is not?
What if your body is silently alerting you about something more serious like Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
CAD is a silent threat that builds over time until it causes a heart attack. In a country like India, where lifestyle-related heart problems are on the rise, it is more important than ever to understand what CAD is. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments and why consulting the best heart specialist in Mukundapur might be the right solution.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease occurs when coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart) become narrowed or blocked. This is usually due to the build-up of fatty deposits, known as plaque, along the artery walls.
Over time, this reduces blood flow and increases the risk of chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and even heart failure.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
CAD can be confusing at first. Some people don’t even feel any symptoms until the condition has progressed massively. So, pay attention whether you are feeling:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina), often triggered by physical activity or stress
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue, even with minimal exertion
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
In some cases, especially in women, the symptoms can be minute, such as indigestion, nausea, or unusual tiredness. That is why you must not overlook these symptoms.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects CAD, they may recommend the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical signals of your heart to detect irregularities.
- Stress Test: Monitors how your heart performs under physical exertion.
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to show how your heart muscles and valves are working.
- Coronary Angiography: A special dye and X-rays help detect blockages in the coronary arteries.
These tests help determine the severity of the blockage and guide the treatment plan. For accurate diagnosis and expert care, it is advisable to consult the best heart specialist in Mukundapur, who can assess your risk and personalise your treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment for CAD depends on the severity of the condition. Here are the main options:
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Regular physical activity
- Managing stress and sleep
These steps are often the first line of defence, especially if CAD is detected early.
2. Medications
Doctors may prescribe:
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Blood thinners to prevent clotting
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to reduce heart strain
- Medications to control blood pressure and diabetes
3. Surgical Interventions
In more severe cases, procedures may be required:
- Angioplasty and Stenting: A balloon catheter is used to open blocked arteries, followed by inserting a small mesh (stent) to keep it open.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical technique that redirects blood flow around blocked arteries using blood vessels from another part of the body.
Conclusion
Coronary Artery Disease is a common issue, but it is manageable if caught early. So, don’t wait for a severe episode to take your heart health seriously. If you have been feeling chest discomfort, breathlessness, or fatigue, get it checked up as early as possible. Visit Long Life Super Speciality Clinic to consult the best heart specialist in Mukundapur and receive the right advice at the right time.