Mild Coronary Artery Disease

Although any level of coronary artery disease (CAD) is potentially life-threatening, the condition may be considered mild if it is being treated at a point where medication and changes in lifestyle can minimize or stop its progression.

Significance

• CAD develops when arteries that transport blood to the heart become hardened and clogged with cholesterol and other materials that form a substance called plaque, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for CAD include smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, high blood sugar, obesity, lack of exercise and excessive consumption of cholesterol, sodium and saturated fats. Lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.

Medication

• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications can treat CAD by minimizing blood clots. Statin medications can lower cholesterol.

Considerations

• Mild CAD likely will become more advanced and dangerous if medication fails or patients refuse to implement healthier lifestyles. At this point, surgical procedures become necessary.

Surgery

• Operations such as coronary angioplasty and stenting will unclog and prop open blocked arteries. In severe cases, bypass surgery diverts blood flow around clogged areas using a vein removed from another area of the patient's body.