Having coronary artery disease (CAD) raises the risk for a Heart Attack. Therefore, knowing the warning signs is vital in seeking medical attention on time.

If your heart disease gets worse, your arteries will narrow, and less blood will flow to your heart.
You may start to have angina symptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort when you exercise or feel stressed. This is called stable angina.

In some cases, sudden new blockages that form in the arteries of the heart can become unstable.
They can suddenly tear and cause blood clots to form. These clots block blood flow to your heart, causing a heart attack or unstable angina.

Over time, you may have other health problems caused by coronary artery disease.
Low blood flow can make it harder for your heart to pump. This can lead to heart failure or atrial fibrillation that increases the risk of stroke.

After the Diagnosis

A diagnosis of CAD can be hard to accept and understand, however, adopting a heart healthy lifestyle can help you control CAD risk factors. For example, physical activity lowers blood pressure and LDL cholesterol level, helps control diabetes, and pre-diabetes, reduces stress, and helps control weight. Lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the disease.

(Credit: Dr. Carla Sleiman, specialist cardiology)