Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A build-up of fatty plaque narrows the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. It is the most common heart disease and can lead to angina or a heart attack.
Causes & risk factors
- High cholesterol and fatty plaque (atherosclerosis)
- High blood pressure
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes and high blood sugar
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Family history of early heart disease
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Lifestyle changes: quit smoking, healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control
- Medicines to lower cholesterol (statins), control BP and prevent clots (blood thinners)
- Controlling diabetes and blood pressure tightly
- Angioplasty with a stent to open blocked arteries
- Bypass surgery (CABG) for severe multi-vessel disease
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for chest pain lasting more than a few minutes or with sweating and breathlessness
- See a doctor for chest tightness that comes on with exertion
- Get urgent care if breathlessness or fatigue is worsening
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about coronary artery disease (cad). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
Plaque cannot usually be fully removed, but healthy lifestyle and treatment can slow or halt progression and greatly lower the risk of a heart attack.
Is CAD hereditary?
A family history of early heart disease raises risk, but lifestyle and conditions like diabetes and high BP play a large role too.
Explore more
MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.