Understanding Coronary Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Coronary arteries are main blood vessels that provide the heart with oxygen, nutrients and blood. Coronary artery disease refers to the buildup of plaque within coronary arteries.

Causes

• Smoking can cause coronary artery disease.

  Causes of coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and chest radiation therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms

• Chest pain can be an indicator for coronary artery disease.

  Symptoms of coronary artery disease include angina, heart attack and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

Risk Factors

• Physical inactivity is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.

  Risk factors for developing coronary artery disease include being older, being male, having a family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and high stress.

Treatment

• Cholesterol reducing medications can be used to treat coronary artery disease.

  Treatment for coronary artery disease includes taking cholesterol reducing medications, aspirin, beta-blockers, nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and vitamins.

Fact

• Older people have a greater risk of developing coronary artery disease.

  Eighty-three percent of people who die from coronary artery disease are over the age of 65 according to the American Heart Association.