Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
مرض الشريان التاجي
A narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, usually due to a buildup of cholesterol-containing plaque. It's a leading cause of heart attacks and is closely linked to high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity — most of which are modifiable through lifestyle change and treatment.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed, usually by a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow to the heart.
The most typical symptom is chest pain or tightness brought on by exertion (angina), sometimes with shortness of breath. A heart attack can be the first sign in some people.
Diagnosis uses an ECG, stress testing, imaging or angiography. Treatment includes lifestyle change, medicines and, in some cases, procedures such as stenting or bypass surgery. Chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or occurs at rest needs emergency care.
Symptoms
Chest pain or tightness (angina)
Often a pressure or heaviness, typically triggered by exertion or stress and eased by rest.
Shortness of breath
Especially during activity.
Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach
Unusual tiredness
Palpitations, dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or sweating
More common in women and people with diabetes, who may have less typical symptoms.
Sometimes no symptoms
Some people are first diagnosed after a heart attack.
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Atherosclerosis — Fatty plaque builds up in the artery walls, narrowing them and limiting blood flow to the heart.
- Plaque rupture and clotting — A plaque can crack and trigger a clot that suddenly blocks the artery, causing a heart attack.
- Damage to the artery lining — High blood pressure, smoking, high blood sugar and high cholesterol all contribute.
Risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity and physical inactivity
- Family history of early heart disease
- Older age; being male, or a woman after menopause
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines your symptoms and risk factors with tests that look at the heart's rhythm, function and blood supply.
Clinical assessment and blood tests
Your doctor reviews symptoms, blood pressure and risk factors, and checks cholesterol and blood sugar.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Records the heart's electrical activity.
Stress test or echocardiogram
Looks at how the heart performs under exertion and how well it pumps.
CT or angiography
Imaging of the coronary arteries to show narrowing or blockage.
Related tests
Treatment
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, slow progression and prevent heart attacks. The plan is personalised by your cardiologist based on how severe the disease is and your overall health.
Lifestyle changes
Stopping smoking, a heart-healthy diet, regular activity, a healthy weight and managing stress.
Medicines
Medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, prevent clots and relieve angina are commonly used. Which ones, and how much, is the doctor's decision.
Procedures
Angioplasty with a stent or coronary bypass surgery may be recommended when arteries are significantly narrowed.
Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up
Supervised exercise, education and regular review.
Never stop heart medicines or delay chest-pain assessment without medical advice.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Chest discomfort or breathlessness when you exert yourself
- Chest pain that is becoming more frequent or easier to trigger
- Unusual tiredness with activity
- You have several risk factors and have never had a heart check
- Side effects from heart medicines
Seek urgent care if
- Chest pain or pressure that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or occurs at rest
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, with sweating, nausea or breathlessness
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Sudden severe shortness of breath
Prevention
Don't smoke
Stopping smoking is one of the most effective steps.
Control blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish and less saturated fat and salt.
Be active
Aim for regular moderate exercise, as advised by your doctor.
Maintain a healthy weight and manage stress
Frequently asked questions
What is coronary artery disease?
It is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, usually caused by fatty plaque build-up.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Chest pain or tightness on exertion (angina), shortness of breath and unusual tiredness are typical. Some people have no symptoms until a heart attack.
What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?
Angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow that usually eases with rest. A heart attack happens when an artery is suddenly blocked and needs emergency treatment.
How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
With a clinical assessment, an ECG, blood tests, stress testing, and imaging such as CT or coronary angiography.
Can coronary artery disease be reversed?
Established plaque is not simply removed, but treatment and lifestyle change can slow or stabilise it and greatly reduce the risk of heart attack.
Can I exercise with coronary artery disease?
Usually yes, and supervised, regular activity is beneficial — but ask your cardiologist what level is safe for you before starting.
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Medical sources
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