What Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to a heart attack.

CAD is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

Risk factors for CAD

There are a number of risk factors for CAD, including:

* High blood pressure

* High cholesterol

* Diabetes

* Smoking

* Obesity

* Physical inactivity

* Family history of CAD

Symptoms of CAD

The symptoms of CAD can include:

* Chest pain (angina)

* Shortness of breath

* Fatigue

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Palpitations

Treatment for CAD

The treatment for CAD depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's individual needs. Treatment may include:

* Medications

* Angioplasty and stenting

* Coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Prevention of CAD

There are a number of things you can do to prevent CAD, including:

* Control your blood pressure.

* Control your cholesterol.

* Manage your diabetes.

* Quit smoking.

* Lose weight.

* Get regular exercise.

* Eat a healthy diet.

* Manage stress.

If you have any of the risk factors for CAD, talk to your doctor about your risk and what you can do to reduce it.