Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is a heart condition in which atherosclerotic plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. It is a leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women. Risk rises with smoking, a diet high in saturated fat, inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heavy alcohol use and a family history of heart disease. Some people have no symptoms; others have chest pain or pressure, breathlessness, fatigue, or pain spreading to the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm. Complications include angina, heart attack, heart failure and arrhythmia. Assessment combines history, risk factor review, blood tests and cardiac investigations such as electrocardiography, echocardiography and coronary angiography. It cannot be cured, but lifestyle change, medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose or clot prevention, angioplasty, bypass surgery and cardiac rehabilitation reduce symptoms and complications.

Seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg. See a doctor soon for palpitations, swollen ankles, breathlessness on exertion or a blood pressure reading that stays high. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.