Coronary Artery Disease

Q. What is coronary artery disease?

A. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, affecting seven million Americans. It is a condition caused by thickening of the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When these arteries become blocked, the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen and it can become damaged. Unfortunately, coronary artery disease develops so slowly that there are no symptoms. People are often unaware that they have it, until they have a heart attack.

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Q. How do I know I have coronary artery disease?

A. Because coronary artery disease develops slowly, there are no obvious symptoms. However, risk factors for coronary artery disease include family history of heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Nearly one-third of all Americans with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it, so it’s important to ask your doctor what your levels are for blood pressure and cholesterol.

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Q. My family has a history of heart disease. What can I do to avoid coronary artery disease?

A. You can reduce your risk by not smoking, reducing your cholesterol and blood pressure, exercising and managing your weight. Certain foods can also help protect you against all types of heart disease: fiber, soy, fish and fish oils, antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C and E and carotenoids, such as beta carotene), and folic acid.

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Q. For more information about this condition, where should I go?

A. You can check the American Heart Association or the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

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