Question 1

What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease (also known as coronary heart disease, CHD) occurs when the arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Source: NHLBI (NIH) – What Is Coronary Heart Disease?

Question 2

What causes coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

CAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis-fatty plaque deposits (cholesterol, inflammatory cells, calcium) accumulate on artery walls-leading to narrowing, stiffening, and sometimes clot formation. Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Source: MedlinePlus – Coronary Artery Disease Causes & Risk Factors

Question 3

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis may include an individual's medical history and physical exam. Tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests, blood tests, cardiac CT (including calcium scoring), and coronary angiography help evaluate blood flow and detect arterial narrowing.
Source: Mayo Clinic – CAD Diagnosis & Testing

Question 4

Can coronary artery disease be reversed?

Accepted Answer

While plaque buildup can't always be fully reversed, lifestyle changes, medications, and certain interventions may slow progression or improve artery function in some cases.

Question 5

Can coronary artery disease cause a heart attack or stroke?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CAD can cause heart attacks when a coronary artery becomes severely narrowed or blocked-often due to plaque rupture and clot formation. It also increases stroke risk through impaired circulation and clot formation.
Source: MedlinePlus – CAD Complications (Angina, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Arrhythmia)

Question 6

What are the common symptoms of coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include chest discomfort or pain (angina), typically described as pressure or squeezing; shortness of breath; fatigue; and-especially in women or those with diabetes-atypical symptoms like jaw pain, back pain, or nausea. Some individuals may experience silent CAD without symptoms.
Source: MedlinePlus – CAD Symptoms & Presentation

Question 7

Is coronary artery disease curable?

Accepted Answer

CAD is typically a chronic condition rather than curable. However, it can be effectively managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and interventional procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
Source: Health.com – Treatment & Management Strategies for CAD

Question 8

How can you prevent coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Preventive measures include heart-healthy diet (low in saturated and trans fats), regular physical activity, smoking cessation, weight control, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep.
Source: Health.com – Self?Care & Risk Reduction Strategies

Question 9

What is the treatment for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Treatment may include medications (like statins or beta-blockers), lifestyle modifications, angioplasty with stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery in advanced cases.

Question 10

Why is coronary artery disease considered dangerous?

Accepted Answer

CAD is dangerous because it can silently reduce blood flow to the heart and may lead to heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac death if untreated.

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