Coronary artery disease is one of the most common heart conditions worldwide, resulting from the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. If not diagnosed early, it can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks.
Coronary Arteries and Their Functions
The heart is a powerful muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. To perform this task, it also needs oxygen. The coronary arteries supply oxygen to the heart muscle. Two main arteries, the right and left coronary arteries, branch into smaller vessels that nourish the heart muscle. Over time, fat, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular waste can accumulate in these vessels. These deposits are called atherosclerotic plaques. Plaques narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to coronary artery disease.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
The causes of coronary artery disease are divided into two groups: non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors:
- Age: More common in people 50 years and older.
- Gender: Begins at an earlier age in men. In women, the risk increases after menopause.
- Family history: The risk is higher in individuals with a family history of heart disease.
Modifiable risk factors:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Poor cholesterol balance (high LDL, low HDL)
- Diabetes
- Excess weight (obesity)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Chronic stress
These factors can coexist and influence each other. For example, obesity increases the risk of diabetes; diabetes, in turn, facilitates vascular blockages.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease can sometimes progress without symptoms. However, as the disease advances, the following complaints may occur:
- Chest pain (angina): Feeling of tightness, pressure, or burning in the center of the chest. Increases with exertion, subsides with rest.
- Shortness of breath
- Easy fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
- Cold sweats
Women and elderly people may experience different symptoms such as nausea or back pain.
Diagnostic Methods
The main methods used to diagnose coronary artery disease:
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Stress test (Treadmill)
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Coronary CT angiography
- Classical coronary angiography: An invasive method that directly visualizes the vessels. It is the gold standard.
Treatment Methods
Treatment is planned according to the severity of the disease and the degree of vascular occlusion.
1. Lifestyle changes:
- Quitting smoking
- At least 150 minutes of walking per week
- Vegetable-based diet
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control
- Stress avoidance
2. Drug treatment:
- Aspirin: Prevents blood clots
- Statins: Lower cholesterol
- Blood pressure medications
- Vasodilator drugs (nitrates)
3. Interventional treatments:
- Stent placement: Balloon intervention and stent placement in the narrowed artery
- Coronary bypass surgery: Creating an alternative vascular pathway to replace the blocked artery
Is It Possible to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease?
Yes. Coronary artery disease is largely a preventable condition. Heart health can be protected through control of risk factors, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular check-ups. It is especially recommended for people over 40 to have regular heart examinations.
