Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. Coronary artery disease is often referred to as CAD (coronary artery disease).

CAD occurs when the coronary arteries are clogged or narrowed with cholesterol or fat. This clogging or narrowing is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. Coronary arteries supply our bodies with oxygen and nutrients.

When the arteries are narrowed or clogged due to coronary artery disease, the heart can't get enough oxygen. When this occurs and the heart muscle is injured, a heart attack is often the end result.

CAD often has no symptoms associated with it. However, it can cause mild chest pains to more obvious chest pains. At times CAD can interfere with a person's daily activities.

According the American Heart Association, the warning signs that someone may be experiencing CAD are the following:

-An uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the chest that may come and go.
-Pain that may spread to the shoulder, neck or arms.
-Feeling of discomfort in the chest that is present with light-headness or nausea.

CAD can also have less common warning signs such as: stomach pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, skin that pales, and cold sweats or palpitations.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please consult with your doctor.