Summary
Coronary artery disease(CAD):
Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease affecting millions worldwide.
Coronary artery disease refers to a condition in which there is an insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the myocardium – the middle layer of the heart. It results from occlusion of the coronary arteries and results in a demand-supply mismatch of oxygen. It typically involves the formation of plaques in the lumen of coronary arteries that impede blood flow. (1) If you feel a particular type of pain in your chest or left arm during exercise or any strenuous physical activity, it is worrisome as CAD manifests as chest pain.
Have you ever wondered how the organ supplies blood to every other organ of our body through an extensive network of blood vessels? How does it get its oxygen and nutrition? The heart is provided by blood through coronary arteries, which become extremely narrow and can cause chest pain and shortness of breath during physical activity. If a coronary artery suddenly becomes completely blocked, it can result in a heart attack. (2)
So, if you ever feel pain in your chest or left arm, you need to call your doctor immediately, as it can manifest as CAD. It is called “the silent killer” for a reason, as it can remain without any symptoms for an extended period of time till it presents with a heart attack – a medical emergency.
Figure: Pathophysiology of Development of Coronary Artery Plaque
References:
- Shahjehan RD, Bhutta BS. Coronary Artery Disease. [Updated 2022 Aug 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564304/
- org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Coronary artery disease: Overview. 2013 Feb 13 [Updated 2017 Jul 27].Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK355313/
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