"Coronary artery" sounds very medical, but the concept is simple: these are the blood vessels that supply the heart itself. When they narrow, the heart gets starved.
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary arteries wrap around the heart like a crown, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When these vessels narrow due to fatty deposits, it's called Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
How Does CAD Develop Step by Step?
CAD doesn't happen overnight — it's a process that can take years or even decades:
- Step 1: Fatty deposits — Cholesterol seeps into the inner artery wall, forming "fatty streaks"
- Step 2: Inflammation — Immune cells try to clean up the fat, but cause more damage
- Step 3: Plaque formation — Fat, immune cells, and calcium build up into atherosclerotic plaque
- Step 4: Narrowing — Plaque grows, the artery narrows, and blood flow decreases
- Step 5: Acute event — Plaque ruptures suddenly, forming a clot that completely blocks the artery → heart attack
What Do Different Stenosis Levels Mean?
| Stenosis | Meaning | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| < 50% | Mild narrowing | Usually no symptoms |
| 50-70% | Moderate narrowing | Chest tightness during exercise |
| 70-99% | Severe narrowing | Stable angina |
| 100% | Complete blockage | Heart attack |
Who Is at High Risk?
- People with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Smokers (2-4x increased risk)
- Those with a family history
- Men over 45, women over 55
- People with chronic stress and sedentary lifestyles
💡 Important: CAD often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many people discover it only when they have a heart attack. Regular cardiac checkups are essential.
Concerned about your coronary artery disease risk?
TEDANCD offers comprehensive cardiac screening packages. Early detection, early action.
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