Coronary Artery Disease - Definition, Symptoms & Treatment

Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease: Known also as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, this is the most common form of heart disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the #1 cause of death among women and men in North America today.  Every year, it is estimated that more than 500,000 Americans die of heart attacks which are caused by coronary artery disease.

• Age (65 and older)
• Smoking
• Family history of coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Obesity

Definition of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when there is blockage of the vessels which supply the heart with blood. This disease process is called “atherosclerosis” or "arteriosclerosis". Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is characterized by the hardening of the arteries.

In this process, cholesterol and other fats are deposited in the layers of the arteries.  These substances build up in the walls of the coronary arteries and create rigid substances called plaque.  The plaque makes the artery less flexible which makes it more difficult for blood to flow. 

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms (ischemic heart disease)

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms can include chest pain (angina pectoris). Once blood flow in the coronary arteries is slowed, the classic "chest pain" coronary heart disease symptoms occur because the heart muscles are not receiving enough blood.

The first coronary artery disease sign or symptom is often a heart attack. Also known as a myocardial infraction, a heart attack can occur if one of the cardiac arteries becomes completely blocked. This cuts off the blood supply to the heart muscle. The cells in the heart start to die when they don’t receive blood, and this may cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle.

Heart failure may also occur when the heart can’t pump blood through to the body’s organs as well as it should.  This means that the organs are not getting enough blood.  Signs of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Edema (retaining fluids)
• Low energy levels

Coronary artery disease (coronary heart disease) is a condition that may also lead to heart arrhythmias.  When the blood supply to the heart is reduced, it can change the ability of the heart to function properly.  A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat.

Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease (ischemic heart disease)

Treatment for coronary artery disease varies depending on the nature of the patient’s condition. Possible treatment for coronary heart disease may include:

• Exercise – as prescribed by your doctor
• Cessation of smoking (if you smoke)
• Stress reduction
• Change to a healthier diet
• Loss of weight
• Medication as prescribed by your doctor

However, TheraVitae has developed a new adult stem cell therapy to treat coronary artery disease.  Please click here for more details.