Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that bring oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the heart; coronary artery disease occurs when these arteries harden and narrow due to the buildup of cholesterol and other substances (atherosclerosis). As this plaque progresses, less blood flows to the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as chest pain (angina); when an atherosclerotic plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, clots (thrombi) form, suddenly interrupting the blood supply to a territory of the heart, causing severe and in many cases permanent heart damage (depending on the speed at which the flow is re-established).
What are the risk factors?
- Dyslipidemia (cholesterol and triglyceride problems)
- Arterial hypertension
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking (including vapers)
- Family history of coronary heart disease (less than 55 years old)
- Advanced age
- Chronic kidney disease
- Alcohol consumptio
- Unhealthy diet
- Emotional stress
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Some self-immune diseases
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom in coronary artery disease is angina pectoris, which manifests as pain or tightness in the center of the chest, of variable intensity, triggered by physical activity or strong emotions and improves with rest; the pain may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders or arms. If this symptom occurs with decreasing exercise intensity or at rest, it is called unstable angina.
Another important symptom is fatigue or shortness of breath with usual activity.
When an acute myocardial infarction occurs, the cardinal symptom is chest pain of high intensity, associated with shortness of breath and sweating; some people may have loss of consciousness or less common symptoms such as neck pain, nausea or pain in the pit of the stomach.
If you identify symptoms suggestive of coronary disease, you should consult immediately, remember that time is the heart; in an acute myocardial infarction, the most important thing is to reestablish blood flow as soon as possible to prevent complications.
What are the main complications?
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Sudden death
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- How can I prevent it?
The fundamental axis of prevention lies in healthy lifestyles, which involve regular exercise, maintaining an adequate diet and weight, quitting smoking, and having adequate control of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and low cholesterol levels.
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule your appointment.