Conditions Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD) is the build-up of fatty material in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. This process is called atherosclerosis and can be caused by smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. The main symptoms of CAD are chest pain, heart attacks and heart failure.

CAD is a major cause of death worldwide and is the term used to describe the build-up of atheroma, or fatty material, in the coronary arteries. Risk assessments are sometimes carried out to determine whether a person is at risk of CAD, which involve looking at their family history, lifestyle and taking a blood test.

There is no cure for CAD, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of further developing problems. Those with CAD may be prescribed medication, be encouraged to make lifestyle changes and undergo angioplasty or surgery.