What Is Cardiovascular Artery Disease?
Cardiovascular Artery Disease (CAD), also known as Coronary Artery Disease, is a serious condition that affects the blood flow to the heart. It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. If left untreated, CAD can lead to a heart attack or stroke, and even death.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. Managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing CAD.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Diagnosis of CAD is typically made through a combination of tests, including a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as a coronary angiogram or a CT scan.
Treatment
Treatment for CAD can vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of CAD. Medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medications, can also help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Trust PVH Institute With Your Heart
Cardiovascular Disease is the number one cause of death in the United States over 50 years old. If you have concerns about your risk for CAD It’s important to see a doctor right away. At PVH Institute, our primary care doctors in Philadelphia will take their time to get to know you. They will work to understand your history and risk factors and build a lifestyle plan that works best for you to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular disease and help you to live a long and happy life.