Facts About Coronary Artery Disease

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.