Medical Services

Illustration depicting fatty deposits narrowing a coronary artery due to atherosclerosis.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also referred to as coronary heart disease, occurs when the coronary arteries—which supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients—become damaged or diseased. The primary underlying mechanism is atherosclerosis, a process where cholesterol, fats, and other substances accumulate to form plaque deposits on the inner artery walls. Over time, these plaques harden or rupture, significantly narrowing the vessel lumen and obstructing essential blood flow.

Symptoms often manifest as angina, described as chest pain or pressure, particularly during physical activity or emotional stress. However, many individuals remain asymptomatic until the disease advances to critical stages, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), where total blockage causes irreversible damage to the heart tissue.

Risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. Clinical management typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications—such as heart-healthy diets and regular exercise—and pharmacological interventions, including statins, antiplatelet agents, and blood pressure medications. In advanced cases, surgical procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting may be required to restore adequate perfusion to the myocardium.